Therapeutic Comm Q 28

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A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?

  

     A. S

     B. O

     C. L

     D. E

     E. R

    

Correct Answer: B. O.

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The nurse should identify that maintaining an uncrossed arm and leg posture is nonverbal behavior that reflects the “O” in the active-listening acronym SOLER. Open posture when interacting with the client (O). Crossing the arms would make the nurse anxious or defensive.

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The acronym SOLER includes:

Option A: Sitting squarely facing the client (S). Sit and face the client. The nurse should sit attentively at an angle to the client so that she can look at them directly and show them that she is listening to them and paying attention.

Option C: Leaning forward toward the client (L). The nurse should lean forward to show that she is interested in what the client is talking about. It also means that the client can lower their voice if they wish to if they are talking about personal issues, for example.

Option D: Establishing eye contact (E). Maintaining eye contact shows that the nurse is interested and listening to what the client has to say. It does not mean that the nurse has to stare at the client because this can make them feel uncomfortable, but maintain good, positive eye contact.

Option E: Relaxing (R). R stands for relaxed body language. This shows the client that the nurse is not in a rush to get away, but is letting them talk at their own pace.

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