Question

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

1) The client is engaged and interested in the conversation
2) The client is distracted and not paying attention
3) The client is anxious or nervous
4) The client is disinterested or bored

Answer 1

The nurse should assume that the patient maintaining eye contact and leaning forward during an interview is engaged and interested in the conversation.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a patient's initial interview in a mental health inpatient setting, when a patient is maintaining eye contact and leaning forward, the nurse should likely make the assumption that the client is engaged and interested in the conversation. These nonverbal behaviors are typically signs of an individual's engagement and can often imply that the person is listening attentively and is actively participating in the interview process. It is important to read body language as it provides additional context to what the patient may be communicating verbally. Direct eye contact and leaning forward are generally positive indicators of a person's mental status and willingness to communicate.