Past examples of taking blood pressure from a patient were shown in a simplistic and easy form. This example is more elaborate but it covers areas most important concerning nurse/patient communication which are:
- explaining the procedure to the patient
- seeking cooperation from the patient
- giving encouragement to the patient
- offering reassurance to the patient
- providing feedback to the patient
Dialogue:
Nurse: I need to take your blood pressure now. Would you please sit over here? (Point to the area where the patient is to sit. It's better to point to the area with your palm open and not with the index finger which can been seen as bad-mannered.)
Patient: Oh. … I see.
Nurse: I'm just going to wrap this cuff around your arm and pump some air into it so that I can read your blood pressure. Could you just roll up your sleeve a bit?
Patient: Right. (Patient rolls up sleeve.) Like this?
Nurse: Yes, that's fine. (Nurse attaches cuff and starts pumping.)
Patient: It feels a bit funny.
Nurse: Don't worry. It won't hurt you.
Patient: Is it OK?
Nurse: Yes. It's quite normal.
Now read the dialogue again and this time try to identify which is explaining procedure, seeking cooperation , giving encouragement , offering reassurance or providing feedback.
James A. Pagano TESOL Cert., B.A, M.A.
Director of English Services
English for Medical Professionals is an English Language program for individuals, groups and institutions that wish to improve speaking skills in the medical industry. Classes specialize in proper communication with an emphasis on giving the students maximum speaking time.
