When taking a history from a newly admitted patient, the nurse notices that he often pauses and expectantly looks at the nurse. What would be the nurse's best response to this behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Typically patients will answer questions with short answers and then pause and look to the health care provider for direction on whether to continue. In this case, the health care provider should lean forward slightly, make eye contact, and look interested and if the patient does not continue, then ask them to tell you more or ask if there anything else. The other responses are not conducive to ideal communication. Leaning back in the chair or standing up indicates disinterest or closure and making statements such as "Don't worry about all of this. I'm sure we can get to the bottom of your symptoms;" "You are looking at me kind of funny; there isn't anything wrong, is there?"; or "I can see that this interview is uncomfortable for you. We can continue it another time" dismiss the patient's feelings or are confrontational and are not conducive to ideal communication.

When Taking a History from a Newly Admitted Patient, the Nurse