Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - The Nursing Process in Psychiatric?Mental Health Nursing Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - The Nursing Process in Psychiatric?Mental Health Nursing related questions and content

Which action by the nurse is best associated with the demonstration of empathy?

  • A. Observing the patient's physical behavior and nonverbal communications
  • B. Encouraging the patient time to express their concerns and physical needs
  • C. Providing a therapeutic milieu where the patient is provided safety
  • D. Encouraging the patient to communicate with their support system
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Particularly in the area of psychiatric nursing, observation is not only important for clinical diagnosis, but it is also a first step in being empathetic. To be able to empathize, one must be able to recognize emotions, which inherently requires the skill of observation.