Final answer:
Active listening actions such as using encouraging cues, maintaining eye contact, and verbal affirmations, as well as reflective listening techniques and asking open-ended questions, encourage patient communication and demonstrate a nurse's active interest in their patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
One active listening action that encourages patients to continue expressing themselves and demonstrates that the nurse is showing active interest is the use of encouraging cues. These can include nodding, maintaining eye contact, and verbal affirmations such as "I see" or "Go on". Additionally, reflective listening techniques such as summarizing what the patient has said and asking open-ended questions to elicit more information are essential. By paying attention to the underlying emotion behind a comment and suppressing the urge to immediately respond with advice, the nurse can foster a supportive environment that promotes patient communication.
It's important for a listener not to interrupt, but rather to use facial expressions and non-verbal gestures to show understanding and empathy. Being proactive during interactions by participating and asking questions for clarification also demonstrates an active interest and engagement from the nurse, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the communication.