Question

A nurse is preparing to conduct a health history for a client who is confined to bed. How should the nurse position herself?

1) Standing at the end of the bed
2) Standing at the side of the bed
3) Sitting at least six feet from the beside
4) Sitting at a 45-degree angle to the bed

Answer 1

The nurse should sit at a 45-degree angle to the bed while conducting a health history for a client to facilitate communication and maintain a professional and comfortable distance from the client.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is preparing to conduct a health history for a client who is confined to bed, the most professional and client-centered approach is to position oneself sitting at a 45-degree angle to the bed. This position allows for easy eye contact, which facilitates communication and helps in building rapport with the client. It's important to maintain a comfortable distance that respects the client's personal space while still being close enough to engage effectively during the health history interview. Standing at the end of or beside the bed can seem intimidating or impersonal, while sitting too far from the bedside can come across as disengaged or distant.