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Imperatives in Nursing Communication Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on the use of imperative sentences in nursing communication, detailing their purpose and common applications such as giving instructions, advice, and warnings. It includes practice activities for identifying imperatives, recognizing polite requests, matching imperatives to situations, and creating original imperative sentences. The document is designed for nursing diploma students and aims to enhance their communication skills in clinical settings.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
174 views3 pages

Imperatives in Nursing Communication Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on the use of imperative sentences in nursing communication, detailing their purpose and common applications such as giving instructions, advice, and warnings. It includes practice activities for identifying imperatives, recognizing polite requests, matching imperatives to situations, and creating original imperative sentences. The document is designed for nursing diploma students and aims to enhance their communication skills in clinical settings.

Uploaded by

kerry
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Worksheet: Using Imperatives in

Nursing Communication
Level: Diploma in Nursing (Elementary–Pre-intermediate)
Duration: 45–60 minutes

🔍 Part A: What is an Imperative?


An imperative sentence is used to:

 give instructions
 give advice
 make a request
 give a warning or command

It usually begins with a base verb (the simple form of a verb like wash,
check, sit) and does not include a subject.

❗The subject “you” is understood in imperative sentences.


Example: (You) Take a deep breath.

✅ Imperatives in Nursing Situations – Common Uses

Example (Without Polite Form (With


Purpose
“Please”) “Please”)
Please take your
Giving instructions Take your temperature.
temperature.
Advising Drink more water. Please drink more water.
Please don’t touch the
Giving warnings Don’t touch the wound.
wound.
Emergency
Call the doctor now! –
commands
Routine procedures Wash your hands. Please wash your hands.
Helping patients Sit up slowly. Please sit up slowly.
Please wait outside the
Talking to family Wait outside the room.
room.

✏️Part B: Practice Activities


Activity 1: Identify the Imperatives
Underline the imperative verb(s) in each sentence.

1. Take this medicine every six hours.


2. Please lie down and relax.
3. Don’t eat anything after midnight.
4. Check her blood pressure now.
5. Put on your gloves before the procedure.

Activity 2: Circle the Polite Requests

Circle the sentences that are polite requests using “please”.

1. Close the window.


2. Please give the patient a blanket.
3. Please wait in the hallway.
4. Stop moving your arm.
5. Don’t open the bandage.

Activity 3: Match the Imperatives to the Situations

Imperative Situation
A. Stay still. 1. A patient is restless during an X-ray.
B. Don’t eat or drink
2. A patient is scheduled for surgery.
anything.
C. Take two tablets with
3. A patient needs to follow a prescription.
water.
D. Please call the nurse if in 4. You’re explaining the call button to a
pain. patient.
E. Put your hand on the table. 5. A patient is about to get a blood test.

Activity 4: Write the Imperative

Complete the sentences using the correct imperative form of the verb in
brackets.

1. __________ your ID at the counter. (show)


2. Please __________ the nurse if you feel dizzy. (tell)
3. __________ the wound gently. (clean)
4. Don’t __________ too quickly after surgery. (stand)
5. __________ your temperature every 4 hours. (check)
Activity 5: Write Your Own!

Write one imperative sentence for each situation below.

1. You want to tell a patient to drink more water.


→ _____________________________________________________
2. You are helping a patient stand up.
→ _____________________________________________________
3. You want the patient to avoid touching their IV line.
→ _____________________________________________________
4. You need a patient to wear a mask.
→ _____________________________________________________

Common questions

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Failing to use imperatives appropriately can lead to misunderstandings, non-compliance with medical advice, or decreased patient trust and satisfaction. In severe cases, it might result in medical errors or compromised patient safety .

The tone of an imperative sentence in nursing can be altered for politeness by adding 'please' before the verb. This is important as it helps maintain a respectful and compassionate interaction between healthcare providers and patients, which can enhance cooperation and trust .

In imperative sentences, the subject is often implied and usually left out, with the understanding that it is 'you.' This differs from declarative sentences, where the subject is explicitly stated .

Imperatives in nursing communication are crucial for giving clear and concise instructions, advice, warnings, or commands to patients, ensuring they follow necessary procedures for their health and safety. This helps maintain clarity and efficiency in healthcare settings .

Imperatives should be converted into polite requests in situations requiring patient cooperation without urgency. For instance, advising a patient to 'Please sit up slowly' during recovery or asking a family member to 'Please wait outside the room' are more tactful than direct commands .

Practice activities such as underlining imperatives or creating polite requests are effective for nursing students as they reinforce understanding and correct usage. They allow students to apply knowledge practically, ensuring readiness for real-world communication challenges .

Not including 'please' in directives can make communication sound authoritative or harsh, potentially affecting the relationship between healthcare providers and patients or families. It may lead to reduced patient willingness to comply or feelings of discomfort .

In high-stress medical scenarios, achieving a balance between clarity and politeness is critical. Direct commands ensure rapid response and clarity, but integrating politeness where feasible helps maintain rapport and minimizes negative emotional impacts during stressful operations .

Effectively using imperatives ensures that instructions are clear and actionable, helping patients understand necessary actions without confusion. This facilitates better compliance with medical advice and procedures, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction .

Using imperatives cautiously in emergencies is important because clear, direct orders can prevent misunderstandings and facilitate quick, decisive action, minimizing risk and ensuring patient safety. However, excessive forcefulness in non-emergency scenarios could reduce patient cooperation .

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