Psychosocial IntegrityQuestion 1431 of 2368

A nurse reaches to hold the hand of a client before a painful procedure, and the client pulls away. What should the nurse do?

  1. Hold the hand firmly because touch is comforting
  2. Explain that touch is required for the procedure
  3. Respect the client's boundary and avoid touch
  4. Continue with light touch on the client's shoulder
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Correct answer: Respect the client's boundary and avoid touch

Touch may not be appropriate for every client. The nurse avoids touch when the client is not receptive.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Communication: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Psychosocial Integrity"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026