A nurse educator in a medical-surgical unit is demonstrating the use of new equipment to the rest of the nurses on the unit. After initial efforts at having the class gather closely around the models were met with discomfort and inattention, the nurse educator sets up the models in the front of the classroom. Which level of proxemics would be ideal for this situation?
A)4 to 12 feet
B)1 1/2 to 4 feet
C)12 to 15 feet
D)Less than 1 1/2 feet

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Because the nurse is communicating with a group and all members of the group must be able to see the models clearly, a social distance of 4 to 12 feet would be appropriate. Social distance is characterized by a clear, visual perception of the whole individual, and it is expedient for communicating with several people at the same time. In contrast, an intimate distance of 1 1/2 feet or less would likely make the group members extremely uncomfortable and prevent them from seeing all aspects of the demonstration. A personal distance of 1 1/2 to 4 feet might still cause discomfort among participants and make it difficult for them to observe the models in full. Finally, a public distance of 12 to 15 feet would make it hard for participants to observe the models' smaller features and would also make the communication process less personal for all parties involved.
B)Because the nurse is communicating with a group and all members of the group must be able to see the models clearly, a social distance of 4 to 12 feet would be appropriate. Social distance is characterized by a clear, visual perception of the whole individual, and it is expedient for communicating with several people at the same time. In contrast, an intimate distance of 1 1/2 feet or less would likely make the group members extremely uncomfortable and prevent them from seeing all aspects of the demonstration. A personal distance of 1 1/2 to 4 feet might still cause discomfort among participants and make it difficult for them to observe the models in full. Finally, a public distance of 12 to 15 feet would make it hard for participants to observe the models' smaller features and would also make the communication process less personal for all parties involved.
C)Because the nurse is communicating with a group and all members of the group must be able to see the models clearly, a social distance of 4 to 12 feet would be appropriate. Social distance is characterized by a clear, visual perception of the whole individual, and it is expedient for communicating with several people at the same time. In contrast, an intimate distance of 1 1/2 feet or less would likely make the group members extremely uncomfortable and prevent them from seeing all aspects of the demonstration. A personal distance of 1 1/2 to 4 feet might still cause discomfort among participants and make it difficult for them to observe the models in full. Finally, a public distance of 12 to 15 feet would make it hard for participants to observe the models' smaller features and would also make the communication process less personal for all parties involved.
D)Because the nurse is communicating with a group and all members of the group must be able to see the models clearly, a social distance of 4 to 12 feet would be appropriate. Social distance is characterized by a clear, visual perception of the whole individual, and it is expedient for communicating with several people at the same time. In contrast, an intimate distance of 1 1/2 feet or less would likely make the group members extremely uncomfortable and prevent them from seeing all aspects of the demonstration. A personal distance of 1 1/2 to 4 feet might still cause discomfort among participants and make it difficult for them to observe the models in full. Finally, a public distance of 12 to 15 feet would make it hard for participants to observe the models' smaller features and would also make the communication process less personal for all parties involved.

A Nurse Educator in a Medical-Surgical Unit Is Demonstrating the Use