Real-Life Communication
Respiratory therapists often work with patients who can't easily
respond to questions. If they're on a life-support system, they won't
be able to speak with you. Therefore, you can't ask open-ended questions
such as, "What's your middle name?"
"You try and work it in yes
or no kinds of questions," says respiratory therapist Allan Shemanko. "With
a tube in their mouth that goes into their lungs, they can't speak. There's
no air going past their vocal cords, so you need to come up with some method
of communication."
Some patients can respond by nodding or shaking
their head. With others, you might be able to read their lips. Every question,
of course, has to be able to be answered with a yes or no.
Change the
following open-ended questions to yes or no questions. For some, you'll
need to ask two or more questions. The important thing is you get the same
information you would from the open-ended question.
1. When did the
doctor last see you?
2. Are you feeling better or worse than yesterday?
3.
How do you feel?
4. How easy are you finding it to breathe?
5. How
much sleep have you been getting?
6. How comfortable are you in that position?