Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN Degree) Practice Exam

Maintaining nonverbal communication is crucial in nursing because it plays a significant role in confirming or clarifying the spoken words between the nurse and the patient. Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language can enhance understanding and rapport. For instance, a nurse who maintains eye contact and uses open body language can convey empathy and attentiveness, reinforcing the message of care and concern conveyed through their words. This alignment of verbal and nonverbal communication helps in building trust and ensuring that the patient feels heard and understood, which is vital for effective patient care.

In a nursing context, reliance solely on nonverbal communication would not be practical, as verbal communication is essential for sharing detailed information and instructions. Additionally, a focus on technical skills without consideration for communication would ignore the holistic nature of nursing care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Furthermore, ignoring patient feelings is contrary to the patient-centered approach in nursing, where understanding and responding to emotional cues is a key component of effective care.