The patient is terminal and very near death. When the nurse checks the patient and finds no pulse or blood pressure, the family begins sobbing and hugging each other. Some family members hold the patient's hand. The nurse is overwhelmed by the presence of grief and leaves the room. What is the nurse demonstrating?

A) Caring touch
B) Protective touch
C) Therapeutic touch
D) Task-oriented touch

Protective touch is also a kind of touch that protects the nurse emotionally. A nurse withdraws or distances herself or himself from a patient when he or she is unable to tolerate suffering or needs to escape from a situation that is causing tension. Caring touch is a form of nonverbal communication that influences a patient's comfort and security, enhances self-esteem, and improves mental well-being. Therapeutic touch is a type of alternative therapy for healing. Task-oriented touch is done when performing a task or procedure.