Author Question: During a group session, a patient expresses anger at the nurse. The nurse sits tensely with arms and ... (Read 32 times)

bucstennis@aim.com · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

During a group session, a patient expresses anger at the nurse. The nurse sits tensely with arms and legs crossed while verbally agreeing that the patient's point of view is correct. What message is being sent by the nurse?

1. Tolerance
2. Empathy
3. Incongruence
4. Compassion

Question 2

What is the purpose of the nurse using nonverbal communication in a therapeutic relationship with a patient?

1. Enhance verbal messages.
2. Detract from verbal messages
3. Avoid the use of verbal messages.
4. Terminate the therapeutic relationship.

Kingjoffery · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3
Explanation: The nurse's nonverbal communication is incongruent with the verbal message; the nurse's closed body position conflicts with the open verbal statements. Because nonverbal cues help individuals judge the reliability of verbal messages, any incongruence between the nurse's verbal and nonverbal communication may confuse the patient. Tolerance, compassion, and empathy are positive messages that are typically expressed by using open body language.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1
Explanation: Nonverbal messages should enhance, not detract from, verbal messages. Nonverbal communication is used to clarify or accentuate verbal messages, not to avoid their use. Nonverbal communication is not used to terminate a therapeutic relationship.