A nurse is providing presence to a patient and the family. Which nursing action does this involve?

Choice A reason: Caring touch involves physical contact to convey empathy, like holding a hand. The nurse leaves the room without touching the patient or family, overwhelmed by grief. This action does not involve physical contact or comfort, making it unrelated to caring touch in this scenario.

Choice B reason: Therapeutic touch is a healing technique using energy fields, not applicable here. The nurse’s departure due to emotional overwhelm does not involve physical or energetic interaction with the family or patient, focusing instead on self-preservation, making this an incorrect type of touch.

Choice C reason: Task-oriented touch involves physical contact for procedures, like taking a pulse. The nurse’s action of leaving the room is not task-related or physical. It reflects an emotional response to grief, not a clinical task, making this an incorrect description of the nurse’s behavior.

Choice D reason: Protective touch describes actions to shield oneself or others from emotional distress, like withdrawing from overwhelming situations. The nurse, overwhelmed by the family’s grief, leaves the room to cope, demonstrating protective touch by prioritizing emotional self-preservation, making this the correct description.

Choice A reason: Jumping in to provide patient comfort, while well-intentioned, implies reactive or task-oriented actions rather than the intentional, empathetic engagement of presence. Presence involves being emotionally available, fostering trust and connection, not just addressing immediate physical needs. This choice risks misrepresenting the holistic, relational aspect of presence critical for patient and family support.

Choice B reason: Being there without an identified goal does not fully capture presence, which is purposeful in fostering emotional and spiritual support. Presence involves intentional closeness and caring, not aimless attendance. This choice underestimates the nurse’s role in creating a therapeutic environment, potentially diminishing the impact of presence on patient and family well-being.

Choice C reason: Focusing on tasks prioritizes technical care over emotional connection, contrary to presence, which emphasizes being with the patient holistically. Task-oriented care may address physical needs but neglects the relational support central to presence. This choice misaligns with the concept, risking a purely functional approach that overlooks emotional and spiritual care needs.

Choice D reason: Providing closeness and a sense of caring defines presence, a nursing action rooted in Watson’s caring theory. It involves empathetic engagement, active listening, and emotional availability, fostering trust and comfort for patients and families. This intentional connection supports holistic care, enhancing psychological well-being and coping during challenging moments like illness or end-of-life care.