Question

The Ambulatory care nurse is concerned that staff members are not listening carefully or patiently to older patients. Which of the following interactions indicates a listening fault?

1) Staff person finishes a patient's sentences
2) Staff person asks additional questions when the patient stops speaking
3) Staff person focuses completely on the patient when the patient speaks
4) Staff person addresses the questions to the patient instead of the caretaker

Answer 1

The listening fault indicated when a staff person finishes a patient's sentences is a lack of full engagement and patience in the communication process, which is essential for effective communication with patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interaction that indicates a listening fault when an Ambulatory care nurse is concerned that staff members are not listening carefully or patiently to older patients is when a staff person finishes a patient's sentences. This action suggests that the staff person is not fully engaged in listening to the patient's entire message and is instead jumping ahead without allowing the patient to fully communicate their thoughts or concerns.

Effective communication with patients, especially the elderly, requires patience and attentiveness. It involves allowing them the time they need to express themselves without interruption. Staff members should actively listen and provide verbal or non-verbal feedback that shows they are engaged in the conversation rather than assuming or projecting their own interpretation of what the patient is trying to convey.