A patient expresses concerns about the outcome of a scheduled surgical procedure. Which response indicates that the nurse is using active listening?

A. The nurse tells the patient not to worry about the surgery: This response dismisses the patient's concerns and does not engage in active listening. It does not encourage the patient to express their feelings or concerns.

B. The nurse assures the patient that the surgeon is very experienced: While this response provides information, it does not actively listen to the patient's concerns. It might be reassuring, but it doesn't engage in a deeper understanding of the patient's feelings.

C. The nurse asks the patient why they are afraid of surgery: This response demonstrates active listening. By asking the patient to express their fears, the nurse is encouraging the patient to talk about their concerns openly. This fosters a therapeutic relationship and allows the nurse to better understand the patient's emotions and address their specific worries.

D. The nurse shares her/his own experience of having surgery: Sharing personal experiences can sometimes be helpful, but in this context, it doesn't actively listen to the patient. It shifts the focus away from the patient's concerns to the nurse's experiences, which might not be relevant or helpful to the patient.