Ch. 5 :Communication" Key terms and definitions

• Base station: serves as a dispatch and coordination area and ideally in with contact with all other elements of the system.
• encoder: digitalized radio equipment is common today. with such equipment, an encoder breaks down sound waves into unique digital codes.
• decoder: recognizes and responds to only those codes.
• mobile data terminal: Included in digital communication is the use of a mobile data terminal that is mounted in the cab of the ambulance that receives and displays information on a screen.
• repeaters: are devices that receive transmissions from a relatively low-powered source such as a mobile or portable radio and rebroadcast them at another frequency and higher power.
• SBAR: acronym for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation; a method of organizing communications about a patient.
• communication: using verbal and non-verbal expressions as messages that are received and interpreted by others.
• decoding: process of translating and interpreting a message.                  
• encoding: process of converting information into a message.
• feedback: any information that an individual receives about his behavior.
• defense mechanisms: psychological coping strategies individuals use to protect them selves from unwanted feelings or thoughts.
• gestures: nonverbal body movements that convey meanings to others.
• haptics: the study of touching
• intimate zone: in American culture. the space within less than 1 1/2 feet of an individual.
• closed questions: questions that call for specific information from the patient.
• leading questions: question that suggest an answer.
• open-ended questions: questions that allow the patient to respond in his own words.
• culture: the thoughts, communications, actions and values of a racial, ethnic, religious, or social group.
• ethnocentrism: the view that one way of doing things is the right way and any other way is inferior