A nurse is discussing unit expectations with a newly admitted patient diagnosed with poor impulse control

Question

The nurse shows an understanding of the use of body language to convey feelings when documenting that the patient is angry and resistant to authority based on which of the following? Select all that apply.
a. Patient's reluctance to make eye contact
b. Crossed-arm posture the patient assumes
c. Quizzical expression on the patient's face
d. Sharp rapping of the patient's fingers against the table
e. Patient's tendency to lean forward when seated in the chair

Answer 1

ANS: B, D
Body language includes facial expressions, reflexes, body posture, hand gestures, eye move-ment, mannerisms, touch, and other body motions. Body posture and facial expressions, in-cluding eye movements, are two of the most important cues to determine how a person is re-sponding to the message. This patient's crossed-arm posture and sharp finger rapping are in-dicators of anger. Poor eye contract is recognized as poor self-esteem or guilt cues, whereas a quizzical expression is likely an indication of confusion. Leaning forward in the chair is gen-erally viewed as a positive sign of interest and/or cooperation.