If a client avoids making eye contact with the nurse, what should the nurse’s initial action be?

In a situation where a client avoids making eye contact with the nurse, the most appropriate initial action is to ask the client about their comfort with eye contact. This approach is direct and gives the client an opportunity to express their feelings and any cultural or personal reasons behind their behavior. Open communication fosters trust and rapport, which are essential elements of effective nursing practice.

Understanding the client's perspective allows the nurse to tailor their approach to meet the client's needs, as avoidance of eye contact may stem from cultural norms, social anxiety, or other individual factors. Engaging the client in this way demonstrates respect for their personal boundaries and encourages a more therapeutic interaction.

While considering the client’s cultural background can be important in understanding behavior, it is not the most immediate step in assessing the situation. Observing the client’s interactions with family and friends may provide additional insight over time, but it does not directly address the current behavior. Consulting with other healthcare staff members could also yield information, but it circumvents the opportunity for the nurse to communicate directly with the client. Initiating a conversation about comfort with eye contact establishes a dialogue that is crucial for effective psychiatric nursing care.