Question

During the First interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident, the nurse felt empathic and reaches out to take the patient's hand. Select the correct analysis of the nurses behavior.

A. It shows empty and compassion. It will encourage the patient to continue to express feelings.

B. The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown .

C. The patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive and overstepping boundaries.

D. The action is inappropriate. Psychiatric patient should not be touched.

Answer 1

The nurse's behavior of reaching out to take the patient's hand during the first interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident is premature, as the patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown. .

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct analysis of the nurse's behavior in this scenario would be:

B. The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown.

In situations involving grief and emotional distress, expressing empathy and offering support are crucial. However, physical touch, such as reaching out to take the patient's hand, can be culturally sensitive and may vary widely among individuals. Some people may appreciate physical contact as a gesture of comfort and support during distressing moments, while others might perceive it as intrusive or uncomfortable, especially during an initial encounter.

Since the nurse is in the first interview with the parent after a tragic event, the patient's preferences or cultural norms regarding touch remain unknown. Therefore, initiating physical contact at this early stage might be premature and could potentially make the patient uncomfortable. It's essential for healthcare professionals to respect individual boundaries and cultural differences, especially in sensitive and emotionally charged situations.