Impaired Verbal Communication Interventions and Rationales

1. Use one-on-one interactions to engage the client in nonverbal play. R: The nurse enters the clients world in a nonthreatening interaction to form a trusting relationship. 2. Recognize subtle cues indicating the client is paying attention or attempting to communicate. R: Cues are often difficult to recognize (glancing out of the corner of the eye). 3. Describe for the client what is happening, and put into words what the client might be experiencing. R: Naming objects and describing actions, thoughts, and feelings helps the client to use symbolic language. 4. Encourage vocalizations with sound games and songs. R: Children learn through play and enjoyable activities. 5. Identify desired behaviors and reward them (e.g., hugs,treats,tokens,points,or food). R: Behaviors that are rewarded will increase in frequency. Desire for food is a powerful incentive in modifying behavior. 6. Use names frequently, and encourage the use of correct pronouns (e.g., I,me,he). R: Problems with self-identification and pronoun reversal are common. 7. Encourage verbal communication with peers during play activities using role modeling, feedback, and reinforcement. R: Play is the normal medium for learning in a childs development. 8. Increase verbal interaction with parents and siblings by teaching them how to facilitate language development. R: Play is the normal medium for learning in a childs development.