A 9-year-old patient who is hospitalized for bowel surgery appears very frightened.To appear less threatening to the child,which action should the nurse take?

A) Stand over the bed when talking to the patient.
B) Sit in a chair next to the bed when talking to the patient.
C) Maintain constant eye contact with the patient at all times.
D) Stay within 12 inches of the patient when talking to the patient.

The nurse should sit in a chair next to the bed.A nurse appears less dominant and less threatening when interacting at the patient's eye level.Looking down on a person (standing by the bed)establishes authority,but interacting at the same eye level indicates equality in the relationship.Constant eye contact can be intrusive or threatening to some people.Twelve inches is within the intimate zone and can be threatening.