reflection /riflek″shən/ [L, reflectere, to bend back] , 1. a form of reentry in myocardial tissue in which, after encountering delay in one fiber, an impulse enters a parallel fiber and returns retrogradely to its source. 2. the return or reentry of ultrasound waves where there is a discontinuity in the characteristic acoustic impedance along the propagation path. The intensity of the reflection is related to the difference in the characteristic acoustic impedance across the interface. 3. the ability of a practitioner to consider factors and to think about process, procedures, intervention, and outcome to learn from experiences. 4. (in communication theory) a technique in which the listener picks up the feeling or tone of the patient’s message and repeats it back to the patient. This often includes restatement of selected patient words. It encourages the patient to continue with clarifying comments. It is a means of assisting patients to better understand their own thoughts and feelings.
