Nonverbal Behavior Paper

Nonverbal Behavior
When meeting a patient for the first time, their nonverbal behavior sometimes says it all. Whether it’s their physical appearance, eye contact, facial expression, gestures, or touch nurses can sense what is going on with a patient. While we can usually get an idea of what’s going on, cultural differences should also be factored into the situation. When assessing our patients, we have to be mindful of our own expressions because, all health care relationships occur in the context of reciprocal influence (Debra L Roter, 2006). Patient’s true feelings are usually revealed with nonverbal behavior, since they are less able to be controlled. Nurses must make sure our patients nonverbal and verbal behaviors match, so they receive the proper treatment and care. The messages must be clear to the providers, in order for patients to receive quality patient care and satisfaction. . When nonverbal signals match up with the words, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. When they don’t, they generate tension, mistrust, and confusion (Jeanne Segal,

There are so many facial expressions that they are often misinterpreted. Eye contact in the American culture, means we are ready communicate and respect one another. If someone lacked eye contact, we would feel they may be dishonest, anxious, in pain, or fearful. In other cultures, it could mean they are being threatening, or feeling harmed. The gestures we make with our hand also say a lot. Pointing is considered disrespectful, especially is accompanied by a sad face or grimace. A thumbs up on the opposite end, could mean someone agrees or is happy. Touching is a very sensitive behavior. We must always ask permission before touching a patient. Patients must trust us before letting us touch them. Holding a hand is a comfort touch, and is a way of making a patient feel less vulnerable. We must always be sensitive to the patient's response and feelings toward