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) The patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques.
B) The nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter.
C) The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.
D) The 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. 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 because a cultural filter determines what we will pay attention to and what we 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