Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Communication and Relationships Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Communication and Relationships related questions and content

You enter your patient's room and find him sitting in a chair with his eyes closed. He has a grimace on his face and is holding his body rigidly. You ask him if he is feeling okay, and he says, 'Yes, I'm fine. Really.' Which of the following best explains this situation in terms of communication?

  • A. He is communicating to you that he's fine.
  • B. His verbal and nonverbal messages are congruent.
  • C. His verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.
  • D. He is sarcastic, but it is understandable.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's verbal message ('I'm fine') contradicts his nonverbal cues (grimace, rigid posture), indicating incongruence between verbal and nonverbal communication.