During a group session, a client expresses anger at the nurse. The nurse sits tensely with arms and legs crossed while verbally agreeing that the client's point of view is correct. Which of the following messages is being sent by the nurse?
1. The nurse is expressing warmth toward the client
2. The nurse is being patient
3. The nurse is demonstrating empathy
4. The nurse is sending a mixed message
4
Rationale: The nurse's nonverbal communication is incongruent with the verbal message; the closed body position conflicts with the open verbal statements. Because nonverbal cues help people judge the reliability of verbal messages, the incongruence between the nurse's verbal and nonverbal communication may confuse the client. Patience, warmth, and empathy are positive messages that are typically expressed by using open body language.
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