When encountering an anxious and restless patient, which communication approach is most appropriate?

When encountering an anxious and restless patient, which communication approach is most appropriate?

• A. Avoid eye contact
• B. Intermittent eye contact
• C. Maintain appropriate personal space and be aware of nonverbal cues
• D. Stare fixedly

Answer: (C)

When working with an anxious, restless patient, your presence should feel safe and nonthreatening. Maintaining appropriate personal space signals that you respect their boundaries and aren’t crowding them, which helps reduce their defensiveness and arousal. Being attuned to nonverbal cues—such as facial tension, restless movements, pacing, and changes in breathing or voice tone—lets you gauge how anxious they are and adjust your approach in real time. Eye contact should be supportive but not intense; a calm, open posture and a steady, compassionate tone convey empathy and safety. Staring fixedly or avoiding eye contact can worsen anxiety or create a sense of disconnection, while inconsistent eye contact can feel unpredictable. The balanced approach of safe proximity and mindful observation of nonverbal signals is most effective for de-escalation and rapport.

When working with an anxious, restless patient, your presence should feel safe and nonthreatening. Maintaining appropriate personal space signals that you respect their boundaries and aren’t crowding them, which helps reduce their defensiveness and arousal. Being attuned to nonverbal cues—such as facial tension, restless movements, pacing, and changes in breathing or voice tone—lets you gauge how anxious they are and adjust your approach in real time. Eye contact should be supportive but not intense; a calm, open posture and a steady, compassionate tone convey empathy and safety. Staring fixedly or avoiding eye contact can worsen anxiety or create a sense of disconnection, while inconsistent eye contact can feel unpredictable. The balanced approach of safe proximity and mindful observation of nonverbal signals is most effective for de-escalation and rapport.