A nurse using active listening techniques would:
avoid the use of eye contact to allow the patient to express herself without feeling stared at or demeaned.
ask probing questions to direct the conversation and obtain the information needed as efficiently as possible.
anticipate what the speaker is trying to say and help the patient express herself when she has difficulty with finishing a sentence.
use nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and slightly nodding to indicate that the message has been heard.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Avoid the use of eye contact to allow the patient to express herself without feeling stared at or demeaned.
Avoiding eye contact can make the patient feel ignored or unheard and is generally not effective in active listening.
B. Ask probing questions to direct the conversation and obtain the information needed as efficiently as possible.
Active listening involves allowing the patient to lead the conversation rather than directing it with probing questions.
C. Anticipate what the speaker is trying to say and help the patient express herself when she has difficulty with finishing a sentence.
While well-intentioned, finishing sentences can prevent the patient from expressing thoughts fully.
D. Use nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and slightly nodding to indicate that the message has been heard.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. wrings her hands and paces around the room while denying that she is upset.
This example reflects incongruence. The patient's body language (pacing, wringing hands) suggests anxiety or distress, which does not match her verbal denial of being upset.
B. states she is comfortable while she frowns, and her teeth are clenched.
This example also reflects incongruence. Her facial expression and clenched teeth contradict her statement of comfort, indicating her communication is not aligned.
C. is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband's death.
This example reflects congruence. The patient’s verbal expression and nonverbal cues are aligned, indicating that her communication is consistent with her emotions.
D. smiles and laughs while speaking of feeling lonely and depressed.
This example reflects incongruence. Smiling and laughing contradict the verbal expression of loneliness and depression, indicating a mismatch in her communication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. is packing belongings in preparation for discharge. Although discharge is an appropriate time for patient education, it may be too late to introduce complex information that requires practice or understanding. Teaching moments often occur earlier in the care process.
B. says, "How will I remember all the things about my new diet?" This is an ideal teaching moment as the patient is expressing concern and showing readiness to learn about the diet. The nurse can use this moment to provide guidance on strategies to remember dietary instructions.
C. has just returned from surgery for a deviated septum. Immediately post-surgery, the patient may be under the influence of anesthesia or pain medication, limiting their ability to absorb information. Teaching at this time may not be effective.
D. has just been told of the malignancy of his tumor. Right after receiving bad news, patients may experience shock, grief, or distress, making it difficult for them to process additional information. This may not be the right time for education.