How should a nurse respond to a patient requesting help with personal care in a public area?

• A. Provide care in a private or semi-private area; preserve privacy and modesty
• B. Refuse to assist in public areas
• C. Move to a hallway with privacy curtains immediately
• D. Have family assist outside with patient present

Answer: (A)

Maintaining privacy and dignity during personal care is essential. When a patient requests help in a public area, the nurse should escort them to a private or semi-private space and perform the care there, ensuring proper coverage and minimizing exposure. This protects modesty, reduces embarrassment, and aligns with professional standards for confidentiality and safety.

Moving to a hallway with privacy curtains isn’t ideal because it may not provide true privacy or a secure environment for care. Refusing to assist in public areas isn’t appropriate since the patient still needs help. Having family assist outside with the patient present also breaches privacy and professional boundaries. The goal is to preserve the patient’s modesty by choosing a private or semi-private area for personal care.