"Just because a patient cannot speak or is in a vegetative state, does not mean that they cannot think and feel. It's important to remember that when caring for non-communicative patients and to treat them with the same respect and care you would with other patients. For example, I always knock when entering the room and introduce myself and explain why I'm in their room. I will explain each step of what I'm doing; for instance, if I'm checking their vitals, I explain what I'm going to do before I do it and as I move through the clinical process. I look for non-verbal cues for signs of pain or discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Often, patients can still communicate with a smile, a nod, etc., so it's important to be on the lookout for nonverbal cues. I also use close-ended questions that require a yes or no, if they can shake their head. Lastly, if they can write, I will provide a pen and paper to communicate, and I'm very patient throughout the process."