While conducting the client's health history, the nurse makes little eye contact with the client and focuses intently upon the computer while documenting the client's information. The nurse faces the computer with legs crossed

Question

Of the following types of nursing behaviors, which is most appropriate way to describe this situation? 1. A lack of empathy
2. A lack of genuineness
3. A lack of concreteness
4. A lack of positive regard

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Empathy is the capacity to respond to another's feelings and experiences as if they were your own. To a lesser extent, the nurse is displaying a lack of empathy by not communicating well with the client.
Rationale 2: Genuineness is the ability to present oneself honestly and spontaneously. This nurse is demonstrating a lack of genuineness. The nurse should use direct eye contact, facial expressions appropriate to the situation, and open body language. Facing the client, leaning forward during conversation, and sitting with arms and legs uncrossed are examples of open body language.
Rationale 3: Concreteness means speaking to the client in specific terms instead of vague generalities. The nurse isn't necessarily providing vague information for the client.
Rationale 4: Positive regard is the ability to appreciate and respect another person's worth and dignity with a nonjudgmental attitude. There is nothing in this scenario to suggest that the nurse is demonstrating a lack of positive regard.