Question

The nurse is sitting in a chair near the patient's bed, leaning forward to hear what the patient is saying, and does not interrupt. What is the nurse demonstrating?

a. Disinterest in the patient's concerns
b. Active listening and therapeutic communication
c. Lack of time management skills
d. Unprofessional behavior

Answer 1

The nurse demonstrates active listening and therapeutic communication by paying close attention to the patient and not interrupting. This approach is fundamental to building rapport in a healthcare setting.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given scenario, the nurse appears to be engaged in active listening and therapeutic communication with the patient. By sitting close, leaning forward, and not interrupting while the patient speaks, the nurse demonstrates attentiveness and a genuine interest in what the patient has to say. This behavior is a key component of building rapport and trust between the patient and healthcare provider. Not only does it show that the nurse values the patient's concerns, but also that the nurse is there to support the patient, both emotionally and physically.

Active listening involves paying attention to not just the words of the speaker, but also the underlying emotion and meanings. Part of effective communication in healthcare is having the awareness to recognize these emotional cues. Through active participation, such as asking for clarification and contributing to the conversation, the nurse can further demonstrate their commitment to the patient's well-being.