A patient states, I feel fine. It's a good day. The nurse notes the patient looking away, and a decreasing pitch in his voice while speaking. Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This client's verbal and nonverbal communication seems incongruent. To ensure the accuracy of the patient's messages, the nurse identifies the nonverbal communication and checks its congruency with the content. An example is Mr. Jones, you said everything is fine today, yet you frowned as you spoke. I sense that everything is not really fine (verbalizing the implied). I'm glad you are feeling good today, is agreeing or indicating accord with the client. Agreeing leaves no opportunity for the client to change his or her mind without being wrong. I'm not sure I believe you could be interpreted as challenging or demanding proof from the client. Challenging causes the client to defend the misperceptions more strongly than before. Tell me what is good about today, seems to be asking the client to defend his or her statement.

A Patient States, I Feel Fine