Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and looked under chair while stating, 'I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which analysis is most accurate?
A) Patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques.
B) Nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter.
C) Patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.
D) Patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a verbal message is not reinforced with nonverbal behavior, the message is confusing and incongruent. Some clinicians call it a "mixed message." It is inaccurate to say that the patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. The concept of a cultural filter is not relevant to the situation; a cultural filter determines what a person will pay attention to and what he or she will ignore. Data are insufficient to draw the conclusion that the patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.

Documentation in a Patient's Chart Shows, "Throughout a 5-Minute Interaction