A patient has just been admitted to the hospital with a broken hip from a fall in the home.The nurse admitting the patient is practicing active listening.Which behavior best conveys to the patient that the nurse is using active listening?

A) Keeping arms crossed
B) Sitting facing the patient
C) Standing facing the patient
D) Leaning away from the patient

The best behavior is sitting facing the patient.Active listening enhances trust because the nurse communicates acceptance and respect for the patient.Several nonverbal skills facilitate attentive listening,which are identified by the acronym SOLER:
Sit facing the patient.
Observe an open posture.
Lean toward the patient.
Establish and maintain eye contact.
Relax.
Keeping arms crossed is a closed posture.Leaning toward,not away,from the patient is active listening.Sitting,not standing,is best.