List and name 5 innate human characteristics and how they impact nurse-patient interactions.List…

List and name 5 innate human characteristics and how they impact nurse-patient interactions.
Empathy
— The innate ability to feel or understand another’s emotions helps nurses recognize patient distress, validate feelings, and respond with compassion. Empathic interactions build trust, increase patient comfort, and improve adherence to care plans.
Nonverbal communication (facial expressions, body language)
— Humans naturally send and read nonverbal cues. Nurses who attend to patients’ nonverbal signals (and manage their own) are better able to detect pain, anxiety, or confusion, enabling earlier intervention and clearer communication.
Need for safety and attachment/trust
— An innate drive to seek security and form trusting bonds affects how patients relate to caregivers. Establishing consistent, reliable, and respectful nursing behaviors fosters a therapeutic relationship, reduces patient anxiety, and supports cooperation.
Desire for autonomy and control
— People naturally want some control over their lives and decisions. Respecting patient autonomy—by involving them in decisions, offering choices, and explaining options—improves satisfaction, reduces resistance, and supports shared decision-making.
Emotional reactivity and stress response
— Innate physiological and emotional reactions to threat or illness (e.g., anxiety, fight-or-flight) influence how patients respond to care. Nurses who recognize and manage these responses with calming communication, reassurance, and appropriate interventions can reduce distress and improve cooperation and recovery.