Communication is very important when it comes to nurses and their patients. Since nurses can’t read minds, it is important for them to ask questions and get answers from the patients. They may relay the ailments that they are having which may alert the nurse to the problems that they are having.
This will allow the nurse to make a diagnosis and treatments for this patient. However, there may be times when the patient can’t communicate with the nurse because their airway is obstructed with a tracheostomy tube. There are other methods that the nurse can use to encourage communication. The nurse may offer the client a slate or paper and pencil to ask and answer the questions that she may pose to him.
The nurse should use a nonverbal communication method, such as a magic slate, note pad and pencil, and picture boards (if the client cant write or speak english). The physician orders a tracheostomy plug when a client is being weaned off a tracheostomy; it doesnt enable the client to communicate. The call button, which should be within reach at all times for all clients, can summon attention but doesnt communicate additional information. Suctioning clears the airway but doesnt enable the client to communicate.
