A nurse is caring for an immigrant client who is reluctant to make eye contact during questioning. What is the nurse's best response?

A nurse is caring for an immigrant client who is reluctant to make eye contact during questioning. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Consider the norms around nonverbal communication in the client's culture.
• B. Explain that eye contact is required in all interactions.
• C. Directly confront the client about eye contact being inappropriate.
• D. Ignore the behavior and proceed with questions.

Answer: (A)

Cultural norms shape nonverbal communication, including eye contact, so the nurse should assess and respect the client's comfort level in this area. The best approach is to consider how this immigrant client typically uses eye contact and adapt accordingly, which helps build trust and ensures accurate information gathering. Some cultures view sustained eye contact as disrespectful or challenging to authority, especially during questions about personal matters. By acknowledging this and inviting the client to indicate their preference, the nurse shows respect and preserves effective communication. For example, the nurse might say, “I want to communicate in a way you’re comfortable with—would you prefer I look away a moment or maintain softer eye contact?” This invites collaboration and reduces misinterpretation. Choosing a universal rule that eye contact is required ignores cultural variation and can alienate the client. Directly confronting the client about eye contact being inappropriate is disrespectful and counterproductive. Ignoring the behavior and proceeding risks misunderstanding the answers and eroding trust.

Cultural norms shape nonverbal communication, including eye contact, so the nurse should assess and respect the client's comfort level in this area. The best approach is to consider how this immigrant client typically uses eye contact and adapt accordingly, which helps build trust and ensures accurate information gathering. Some cultures view sustained eye contact as disrespectful or challenging to authority, especially during questions about personal matters. By acknowledging this and inviting the client to indicate their preference, the nurse shows respect and preserves effective communication. For example, the nurse might say, “I want to communicate in a way you’re comfortable with—would you prefer I look away a moment or maintain softer eye contact?” This invites collaboration and reduces misinterpretation.

Choosing a universal rule that eye contact is required ignores cultural variation and can alienate the client. Directly confronting the client about eye contact being inappropriate is disrespectful and counterproductive. Ignoring the behavior and proceeding risks misunderstanding the answers and eroding trust.