The nurse observes the patient to be smiling, nodding, and saying "OK" when the physician explains a painful procedure that is planned for the patient. How should the nurse react to this observation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. The nurse has observed a disconnect between verbal and nonverbal communication and should clarify that the patient understands the explanation.
2. The nurse should first find out if the patient understands the explanation before discussing the situation with the physician.
3. The nurse should first see if the patient understands the explanation. If not, and if the problem stems from not understanding the language, contacting an interpreter would be appropriate.
4. This may be true, but the nurse needs to make certain before making this assumption.

The Nurse Observes the Patient to Be Smiling, Nodding, and Saying