If you can't understand a patient, ask them to repeat or clarify—it's essential for safe, respectful care

When a patient speaks a little differently than you expect, the moment you pause can be the turning point in care. In the Nurse’s Touch framework for professional communication, the move that keeps the patient safe and involved is simple: ask the patient to repeat or clarify—without making any assumptions. No guessing games, no shortcuts. Just clear, respectful dialogue that keeps the patient at the center of everything you do.

Why this really matters

Clear communication isn’t a nice-to-have in nursing. It’s the bedrock of trust, safety, and accurate care. If a nurse assumes what a patient means, a small misunderstanding can snowball into wrong treatment, missed symptoms, or missed preferences. The risk isn’t just about words misheard; it’s about the patient feeling heard, respected, and involved in their own care.

On the other hand, when you ask for repetition or clarification, you signal a few powerful things: you value the patient’s input, you want accuracy, and you’re teaming up with them rather than talking at them. This collaborative vibe strengthens the therapeutic relationship, and it’s contagious—patients often respond by sharing more, asking questions, and participating more actively in decisions about their health.

The right move when you can’t understand

The correct answer is straightforward: ask the patient to repeat or clarify without making assumptions. It sounds almost too simple, but it’s the most reliable way to keep communication accurate and patient-centered. When you pause, you buy time to hear correctly, to check for missing details, and to adjust your approach if the patient is using a different language, accent, or speaking style.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it out on your own or pretend you heard something you didn’t. You can.

Practical steps you can use now

• Face the patient, not the chart. Show you’re paying attention with eye contact and a calm, open posture. Keep the tone warm and unhurried.

• Use plain language. Swap medical terms for everyday words when possible. If you must use a technical term, pair it with a plain-language explanation.

• Pause and invite repetition. Phrases like, “Could you say that again, please?” or “Would you mind repeating that in your own words?” are perfectly fine.

• Avoid making assumptions. Don’t guess what the patient meant or fill in gaps with the first thing that comes to mind.

• Paraphrase and reflect. After the patient repeats, you can say, “So what you’re saying is …” Then confirm if you’ve understood correctly.

• Use clarifying questions—not leading ones. Instead of, “You want X, right?” try, “Is it X that you need, or is there something else you’d like to tell me?”

• Teach-back, when appropriate. For critical instructions, ask the patient to restate what they’ll do next. For example, “To be sure I understand, can you tell me the plan in your own words?” This isn’t a test; it’s a safety check.

• If language is an issue, call in help. An interpreter can be in person or via teleinterpretation. If a family member helps, ensure it’s with the patient’s consent and that privacy is respected.

• Use nonverbal cues to bridge gaps. Short, simple gestures or visuals (like showing a pill bottle or a simple diagram) can reinforce what you’re saying without crowding the conversation.

When language or barriers get tricky

Language barriers and dialect differences are common. In those moments, the goal stays the same: you don’t assume—you clarify. If you’re unsure even after a repeat, bring in a trained interpreter rather than guessing. This helps prevent miscommunication and protects patient privacy and safety.

If you’re dealing with a hearing impairment, slow your pace a touch, speak clearly, and ensure you’re in a well-lit area where facial expressions and lip movements can be seen. If using assistive devices, check that they’re working before you begin. Small adjustments—like sitting at eye level and reducing background noise—make a surprising difference.

Cultural nuances matter too. A question that’s perfectly acceptable in one culture might feel intrusive in another. When in doubt, ask open-ended questions and invite the patient to share how they’d prefer to be communicated. A simple, “Is this okay for you?” can open the door to a more comfortable dialogue.

Safety first, always

In health care, accuracy isn’t optional. It’s the safety net. When you slow down to verify understanding, you’re reducing risk and empowering the patient. The teach-back technique is especially powerful for ensuring that critical instructions—medication schedules, wound care steps, or post-discharge plans—are understood. If the patient can explain the plan back to you, you’ve likely got a solid grasp of their understanding and readiness.

Tools and resources that help

• Professional interpreters (in person or via telecommunication) who specialize in medical settings.

• Translation services and bilingual printed materials for key instructions, written at a low literacy level.

• Visual aids: simple diagrams, icons, and labeled photos to reinforce what you say.

• Communication boards or cards for patients who have trouble with spoken language.

• Privacy-conscious translation apps or devices used under strict guidelines to protect confidentiality.

• Documentation templates that prompt you to confirm understanding and note any barriers.

A few pitfalls to avoid (and how to bounce back)

• Don’t fill silence with a guess. If you’re unsure, pause and ask for repetition again.

• Don’t rush the patient to finish. A hurried tone can pressure them into quiet compliance rather than honest communication.

• Don’t reveal frustration. If you feel stuck, switch to a different approach or seek help discreetly.

• Don’t assume. Even small words or phrases can carry a different meaning for someone else.

• Don’t rely only on family members. They can be helpful, but privacy and accuracy matter most. When possible, use an interpreter and confirm the patient’s own words.

Real-world scenarios, let’s walk through a couple

• Scenario A: You’re the primary nurse for Mr. Alvarez, who speaks limited English. You ask, with a warm smile, “Could you tell me what time you usually take your morning pills?” He repeats something garbled. You say, “Could you say it once more, and maybe point to the bottle?” He does, and you catch a crucial difference in timing. You document it, confirm with a quick teach-back, and adjust the plan accordingly.

• Scenario B: Ms. Chen uses a regional dialect that confuses your typical phrasing. You slow down, use simpler terms, and invite her to rephrase what she needs. You also pull up a simple visual of common symptoms and labels for what she’s describing. The result is a clear, collaborative exchange, and you walk away with all the essential details.

A few quick tips for everyday care

• Build a habit of asking for repetition early in a conversation if you sense a language or hearing barrier.

• Keep your language simple, and check for understanding regularly without turning it into a quiz.

• Remember: asking for clarification is a sign of respect, not a weakness.

• Practice with role-plays. Have peers take turns simulating tone, pace, and accents to build comfort with the process.

• Keep a small set of go-to phrases you can use in multiple languages or situations, and tailor them as needed.

Bringing it all together

When a patient’s speech isn’t perfectly clear, the best response is simple and patient-centered: ask for repetition or clarification without making assumptions. This approach honors the patient, protects safety, and strengthens the care experience. It’s about conversation as a tool for healing, not just a transfer of information.

If you’re studying the Nurse’s Touch framework, you’ll notice this principle weaves through every interaction: be curious, be precise, and be respectful. You don’t have to have all the answers immediately. You need to listen, confirm, and respond in a way that makes the patient feel seen and heard. And that, in turn, makes all the difference in outcomes—and in how a patient moves through a care journey with confidence.

So next time you’re listening and you sense a hiccup in understanding, take a breath, smile, and invite a redo. You’ll likely find that the clarity you gain isn’t just about words; it’s about trust, partnership, and actually delivering the care the patient needs. That’s what good communication in nursing is all about—and it’s a skill you’ll carry far beyond the walls of the hospital.