Which nonverbal action best communicates that a nursing assistant respects a resident?

Which nonverbal action best communicates that a nursing assistant respects a resident?

• A. The NA slides her phone out of her pocket and glances at the screen while the resident is talking.
• B. The NA touches the resident's shoulder to comfort her when she mentions missing her cat.
• C. The NA frowns when the resident explains she does not eat meat on Fridays because she is Catholic.
• D. The NA shrugs at a resident who begins to speak in a different language.

Answer: (B)

Showing respect through nonverbal communication means using actions that show empathy, attention, and warmth. A gentle touch on the shoulder to offer comfort when she mentions missing her cat communicates that you are present, care about her feelings, and value her experience. This kind of supportive touch reinforces trust and shows you’re attuned to her needs without words. Other actions send the opposite message: glancing at a phone while she’s talking signals distraction and lack of respect for what she’s sharing. Frowning about her dietary choice tied to her faith communicates judgment, which can make her feel misunderstood. Shrugging when she begins speaking in a different language suggests dismissal and can create a barrier to communication.

Showing respect through nonverbal communication means using actions that show empathy, attention, and warmth. A gentle touch on the shoulder to offer comfort when she mentions missing her cat communicates that you are present, care about her feelings, and value her experience. This kind of supportive touch reinforces trust and shows you’re attuned to her needs without words.

Other actions send the opposite message: glancing at a phone while she’s talking signals distraction and lack of respect for what she’s sharing. Frowning about her dietary choice tied to her faith communicates judgment, which can make her feel misunderstood. Shrugging when she begins speaking in a different language suggests dismissal and can create a barrier to communication.