Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

A nurse aide placing a hand on a distressed patient’s arm demonstrates empathy and support, which are crucial skills in providing effective patient care. This action conveys a sense of emotional understanding and reassurance, helping the patient feel safer and more connected to the caregiver during a moment of distress. Empathy involves recognizing and validating the patient's feelings, allowing them to feel heard and valued, which can significantly improve their emotional state.

In a healthcare setting, demonstrating empathy can lead to a stronger therapeutic relationship between the patient and the caregiver, fostering trust. This, in turn, can enhance the patient's willingness to communicate openly about their concerns and needs. The supportive touch can also be calming and can help reduce anxiety and distress, promoting overall well-being.

Contrary to options that suggest authority, control, intimidation, fear, or disregard, the act of gently placing a hand on someone’s arm fosters a sense of safety and support, which aligns perfectly with the compassionate nature of nursing care.