Question

During a client's initial interview in a mental health impatient setting, a nurse identifies that the client is maintaining eye contact and leaning forward. Which of the following assumptions should the nurse make based on the client's nonverbal behaviors?

A) The client is uninterested in the conversation
B) The client is experiencing anxiety
C) The client is relaxed and comfortable
D) The client is agitated and confrontational

Answer 1

Based on the client's nonverbal behavior of maintaining eye contact and leaning forward, the nurse can assume the client is engaged and comfortable in the conversation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing a client's nonverbal behavior during an initial interview in a mental health inpatient setting, certain indicators can provide insights into their mental state. In this scenario, where the client is maintaining eye contact and leaning forward, it is reasonable to infer that they are engaged in the conversation. These nonverbal cues typically indicate that the individual is interested and wants to participate in the dialogue. Therefore, the assumption the nurse should make based on these behaviors is that the client is relaxed and comfortable.