What is a health interview?
A structured interaction between nurse and patient, with clearly stated terms to build openness, trust, and work toward the mutual goal of optimal health.
What is communication?
The exchange of information so both people clearly understand each other; based on behavior (conscious and unconscious).
What are the two parts of the communication process?
Sending and receiving information (both verbal and nonverbal).
What are the four internal factors that promote good communication?
Liking others, empathy, the ability to listen, and self-awareness.
What are examples of external factors that foster communication?
Privacy, preventing interruptions, conducive environment, equal-status seating, appropriate attire, and documenting responses without disrupting conversation.
What are the three phases of an interview?
Introduction, working phase, and closing.
What happens in the introduction phase of an interview?
The nurse introduces self and role.
What happens in the working phase of an interview?
Data gathering using open-ended questions first, followed by closed/direct questions.
What happens during the closing of an interview?
Signal the interview is ending, give the patient a final chance to share concerns, and briefly summarize findings.
Which verbal responses focus on the patient’s frame of reference?
Facilitation, silence, reflection, empathy, clarification.
Which verbal responses focus on the nurse’s frame of reference?
Confrontation, interpretation, explanation, summary.
What are the ten traps of interviewing to avoid?
False reassurance, unwanted advice, using authority, avoidance language, distancing, jargon, leading/biased questions, talking too much, interrupting, and “why” questions.
What are the seven modes of nonverbal communication?
Physical appearance, posture, gestures, facial expression, eye contact, voice, touch.
Why is nonverbal communication important?
It establishes rapport, conveys information, and provides clues to feelings.
How should communication techniques be modified?
Based on developmental stage (infants, children, adolescents, older adults) and special needs (hearing impairment, acute illness, intoxication, anxiety, aggression, crying, etc.).
How should nurses approach cross-cultural communication?
Modify approach as needed, recognizing that behaviors may have different meanings across cultures.
How should nurses communicate with LGBTQ patients?
Avoid heterosexism and assumptions, ask preferred pronouns, and be open, nonjudgmental, and empathetic.
What should be used for patients with limited English proficiency or hearing impairment?
A trained medical or sign-language interpreter, not family or friends (to protect confidentiality and accuracy).
What does health literacy include beyond reading?
Ability to use numbers, understand verbal instructions, and remember information.
What strategies improve patient understanding?
Oral teaching, written materials, and teach-back.
What is SBAR, and what does it stand for?
A standardized tool for professional communication: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
