Question

If a patient seems uncomfortable with being touched on the arm in a caring manner, it is best to:

a) Continue with the touch to show empathy
b) Apologize and avoid further physical contact
c) Explain the necessity of the touch
d) Ask the patient for permission before touching

Answer 1

When a patient is uncomfortable with being touched, apologizing and avoiding further physical contact is the best course of action to respect their boundaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient seems uncomfortable with being touched on the arm in a caring manner, the most appropriate action to take is b) Apologize and avoid further physical contact. It's essential to respect a patient's boundaries and comfort levels. In health care settings, demonstrating respect for a patient's personal space is just as important as providing medical care. If touch is necessary for medical reasons, it should be communicated clearly, and consent should be obtained whenever possible.