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A patient and a nursing assistant are having a conversation about the patient's care. At various points during the conversation, the patient asks a question, and the nursing assistant nods her head to indicate the answer is yes. Later, the nursing assistant sees the patient disobeying instructions, and the patient is confused and frustrated when corrected.

What most likely caused the miscommunication between the patient and the nursing assistant?

User Touko
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Miscommunication between the patient and the nursing assistant was likely due to non-verbal cues being misinterpreted, cultural differences, or the patient's cognitive limitations. Verbal communication is crucial to ensure clear understanding, especially for patients with conditions like aphasia. Proper caregiver training in communication can help prevent these misunderstandings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The miscommunication between the patient and the nursing assistant most likely arose from non-verbal cues being misinterpreted due to cultural differences or the patient's cognitive limitations. In situations like these, verbal communication is essential to ensure that instructions are understood clearly. A simple nod may convey agreement or understanding in one culture, but in another, it may signal disagreement. Additionally, patients who are disoriented or have difficulties in speech or comprehension, such as aphasia, might not be able to interpret or follow non-verbal communication accurately. This can lead to confusion and frustration when they are corrected, as they believed they were following the instructions correctly. Verbal aggression in caregivers can be an issue when communication breaks down, negatively impacting patient care. Caregivers with proper training and communication skills are better suited to prevent misinterpretations and provide effective care.

User Nomeswaran
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