Final answer:
Verbal communication in healthcare involves using specific techniques to provide reassurance and alleviate anxiety.
Nurses use verbal cues to convey that procedures are minor and not something to be overly concerned about, with the aim of creating a sense of calm and helping patients feel at ease.
Step-by-step explanation:
In verbal communication, when a nurse says 'Oh don't worry, it's only a small op they are doing,' they are using communication techniques to provide reassurance and alleviate anxiety.
The nurse is using verbal cues to convey that the operation is minor and not something to be overly concerned about. By using phrases like 'don't worry' and 'only a small op,' the nurse aims to create a sense of calm and help the patient feel more at ease.
Verbal communication in healthcare settings is an essential skill that nurses use to build trust, establish rapport, and provide emotional support to patients.
When a nurse tells a patient, “Oh don't worry, it's only a small op,” they are likely attempting to provide reassurance. In this context, they are minimizing the perceived seriousness of the operation to ease anxiety and convey that it is a routine procedure with low risk.
This is a part of the nurse's role in preoperative care, which is to support the patient's emotional and psychological needs as well as to help them understand the surgical process.
It is crucial for the entire healthcare team, which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, to review aloud key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach.