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The nurse therapist calls a client to reschedule their appointment for the following week. When the client arrives at the appointment, the client is uncommunicative and avoids eye contact with the nurse. When asked how things have been going, the client answers, 'Fine.' How should the nurse confront this behavior?

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Final answer:

The nurse should address the client's uncommunicative behavior with sensitivity by acknowledging it without judgment and inviting them to share, similar to how Jane recalibrated her response after noting her boss's non-verbal cues. Effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is key to building a trusting relationship.

Step-by-step explanation:

When confronting a client who is uncommunicative and avoids eye contact, it's important for the nurse to approach the situation with sensitivity and professionalism. The nurse should gently acknowledge the observed behavior without making the client feel judged. For example, the nurse might say, 'I noticed you seem a bit quiet today. Is there anything on your mind you'd like to talk about?' This opens a door for the client to share their feelings if they choose to do so. It is essential to create a supportive environment where the client feels safe to express themselves.

The nurse should also reflect on their own non-verbal communication. As demonstrated by Jane's interaction with her boss, recognizing non-verbal cues is just as crucial as verbal communication. If Jane sensed her boss's displeasure through a non-verbal reaction, it led her to reassess and correct her approach. Similarly, the nurse should be aware that their body language and tone can affect how the client interacts with them.

Ultimately, it's about building a relationship of trust and understanding with the client, so they feel comfortable and supported during their care.

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