Communication in Nursing Test Bank Related

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A nurse using active listening techniques would:

  • A. use nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and slightly nodding to indicate that the message has been heard.
  • B. avoid the use of eye contact to allow the patient to express herself without feeling stared at or demeaned.
  • C. anticipate what the speaker is trying to say and help the patient express herself when she has difficulty with finishing a sentence.
  • D. ask probing questions to direct the conversation and obtain the information needed as efficiently as possible. Eye contact is a culturally learned behavior and in some cases may not be appropriate. Probing questions or finishing the patient's sentence is not part of active listening and is detrimental to an interview.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Answer A is correct because active listening involves using nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and nodding slightly to show that you are engaged and understanding the message. Leaning forward demonstrates interest, focusing on the face shows attentiveness, and nodding indicates acknowledgment. These actions encourage the speaker to continue sharing and feel heard.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Avoiding eye contact can make the speaker feel ignored or disconnected, which goes against the principles of active listening.
C: Anticipating what the speaker is trying to say and finishing their sentences is not active listening; it can be seen as interrupting and not allowing the speaker to express themselves fully.
D: Asking probing questions and directing the conversation towards obtaining specific information efficiently is not active listening. It can come across as controlling the conversation rather than actively listening to the speaker.