Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is true about passive listening?

1. It allows for guided conversation.

2. It encourages focused discussion.

3. It permits patients to express freely without direction.

4. It helps clarify patient thoughts.

The correct answer is: It permits patients to express freely without direction.

Passive listening is characterized by the listener's attentiveness without actively guiding the conversation or directing the speaker. This method is particularly beneficial in a healthcare setting, as it creates a safe environment for patients to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences without restraint. By permitting patients to voice their concerns freely, passive listening fosters trust and openness, which can lead to deeper insights into their feelings and conditions. The other choices refer to active engagement techniques, such as guiding conversation or encouraging focused discussion, which do not align with the principle of passive listening. Therefore, the emphasis on freedom of expression without direction makes the choice about passive listening accurate.