Lucy Richards is a 20-year-old nursing student who is in her first clinical rotation. She has not had experience in any health care setting but wants to be a good nurse. She is assigned to Thelma Miller, an 88-year-old patient who is on the medical-surgical unit for treatment of congestive heart failure. Mrs. Miller is alert and oriented but has difficulty with her speech because of a stroke that she had 5 years ago. Mrs. Miller is alone and crying when Lucy walks into her room. Which of the following best demonstrates a caring practice for Lucy? CASE STUDY #1

A. Providing presence by sitting down, making eye contact, and offering a comforting presence is a key aspect of caring practice. It helps Mrs. Miller feel heard and supported, showing empathy. B. Avoiding touch may not be necessary unless the patient expresses discomfort with physical contact. Offering a caring presence, including appropriate touch, can help build rapport and show compassion. C. Telling Mrs. Miller that everything is alright may dismiss her feelings, even if the nurse means well. Acknowledge the patient's emotions and offer emotional support instead of minimizing her experience. D. Telling Mrs. Miller that the nurse is busy and will return later may seem dismissive of her current emotional state, rather than offering immediate emotional support.