Question

A nurse is communicating with a client in an inpatient mental health facility. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the use of active listening?

A.Offering selfB.
Use of silence
C.Attention to body language
D.Reflection of feelings

Answer 1

Active listening in nursing is best demonstrated by reflecting the client’s feelings, showing deep understanding and empathy. This involves attentive listening and is crucial in mental health care settings. Other options like the use of silence, attention to body language, and offering self, also play a role but are supportive to the listening process.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse demonstrates the use of active listening by engaging in several behaviors that promote effective communication and understanding of the client's needs. The action that most directly reflects active listening among the options provided is D. Reflection of feelings. This involves the nurse listening attentively to the emotional content of the client's speech and then reflecting back those feelings to the client, showing that the nurse is not only hearing the words but also understanding the emotions behind them.

Active listening is a critical skill in the therapeutic setting, especially in mental health care, where understanding and empathy are integral to patient treatment. It's important to note that while options B. Use of silence and C. Attention to body language are components of active listening, they support the listening process rather than demonstrate it directly. Option A. Offering self, while valuable in building rapport, is more about the nurse sharing personal experiences or empathetic gestures rather than focusing on the client's narrative.