In the communication process, the person who wishes to convey a message to another is known as the?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Explanation

The sender is the person who initiates the communication process.
This individual conceives an idea, encodes it into a message, and transmits it to a receiver.
In the context of the question, the 'person who wishes to convey a message' perfectly fits the definition of a sender or source.
All communication begins with a sender who has a purpose for communicating.

Option A: The channel is the medium or pathway through which the message is transmitted, such as spoken words, written text, or visual aids. It is not a person.
Option B: The receiver is the person or group to whom the message is directed. They decode and interpret the message but do not initiate it.
Option D: The message is the actual content, information, idea, or feeling that is being conveyed. It is the 'what' of communication, not the 'who'.

Visual 1: Diagram: A flowchart illustrating the circular transactional model of communication, showing the sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback loop. The caption would explain how communication is a continuous, interactive process.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Elements of the Communication Process as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clear communication is fundamental to patient safety. As a sender, a nurse must ensure their message (e.g., a medication order, patient instructions) is clear, concise, and delivered through an appropriate channel to prevent errors.
The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) technique is a structured communication tool that helps nurses act as effective senders during handoffs or when communicating with physicians, ensuring critical information is conveyed accurately.
What if? If a patient is from a different cultural background and speaks a different language, the nurse (sender) must adapt. They must use a professional interpreter (a modified channel) to ensure the receiver understands the message, and then use the teach-back method to confirm understanding (feedback).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem, which is about the roles within the 'communication process'.
Next, focus on the key phrase: 'person who wishes to convey a message'. This points to the origin or start of the communication.
Evaluate each option based on the standard model of communication.
Recall the definition of 'Sender' as the initiator of the message.
Eliminate 'Channel' (the medium), 'Receiver' (the recipient), and 'Message' (the content) as they do not fit the description of the person who starts the communication.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.