Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) CBT Practice Test

Active listening in nursing involves engaging deeply with the speaker to ensure effective communication. This practice requires the nurse to concentrate fully on the patient, demonstrating empathy and understanding. It means not only hearing the words being spoken but also interpreting the underlying emotions and messages. Responding thoughtfully indicates that the listener is processing the information and is invested in the conversation, which fosters trust and rapport between the patient and the nurse.

In contrast, interjecting frequently would disrupt the flow of conversation and may lead to misunderstandings, while producing a written transcript is impractical in most nursing situations and can detract from the therapeutic aspect of the interaction. Minimizing a patient's feelings can negatively impact their emotional well-being and deter them from sharing important information about their health. Therefore, focusing on the speaker and providing thoughtful responses embodies the essence of active listening, which is crucial in nursing practice for effective patient care and communication.