Which technique involves the nurse listening attentively to ensure understanding?

The technique that involves the nurse listening attentively to ensure understanding is active listening. This approach is central to effective communication in nursing, as it requires the nurse to focus entirely on the patient, allowing non-verbal cues and verbal messages to be processed thoroughly. Active listening involves not just hearing the words spoken but also interpreting the underlying emotions and meanings, which helps build rapport and ensures that the patient's concerns are accurately understood.

By employing active listening, nurses can ask clarifying questions, restate or paraphrase what the patient has expressed, and provide appropriate feedback. This creates an environment where patients feel valued and encouraged to share more about their feelings and concerns, leading to better patient outcomes. This technique is foundational in nursing practice, promoting patient safety and enhancing the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient.