The nurse has cared for a patient for several days.The patient is terminal and is very near death.The nurse notices the heart rate on the monitor decreasing and then the absence of a pattern.The family is standing at the patient's bed,and when the nurse checks the patient and finds no pulse or blood pressure,the family begins sobbing and hugging each other.Some hold the patient's hand.The nurse is overwhelmed by the presence of grief and leaves the room to cry in the nurses' lounge.What is the nurse demonstrating?
A) Task-oriented touch
B) Caring touch
C) Protective touch
D) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a nurse withdraws or distances herself or himself from a patient when the nurse is unable to tolerate suffering or needs to escape from a situation that is causing tension,the nurse is practicing a form of protective touch that is used to protect the nurse emotionally.Task-oriented touch is done when performing a task or procedure.Caring touch is a form of nonverbal communication that influences a patient's comfort and security,enhances self-esteem,and improves reality orientation.

The Nurse Has Cared for a Patient for Several Days