An older person is seen crying; which approach should the nurse use to comfort this person?

An older person is seen crying; which approach should the nurse use to comfort this person?

• A. Suggest watching television as a distraction
• B. Cheerfully ask the person "what's wrong?"
• C. Offer a tissue and hold the person's hand
• D. Leave the person alone to maintain privacy

Answer: (C)

Being emotionally present and using supportive touch helps comfort an older adult who is crying. When someone is distressed, simple, respectful gestures communicate empathy and companionship, which can be very soothing. Offering a tissue acknowledges the tears and provides a practical way to manage them, while holding the person's hand gives a gentle physical connection that conveys care without rushing them to talk or act. This approach supports the person’s autonomy—allowing them to express themselves if they wish, or simply sit with another person if that’s what they need. Distraction, a cheery interrogation about what’s wrong, or leaving them alone all miss the chance to provide genuine emotional support and can increase feelings of isolation.

Being emotionally present and using supportive touch helps comfort an older adult who is crying. When someone is distressed, simple, respectful gestures communicate empathy and companionship, which can be very soothing. Offering a tissue acknowledges the tears and provides a practical way to manage them, while holding the person's hand gives a gentle physical connection that conveys care without rushing them to talk or act. This approach supports the person’s autonomy—allowing them to express themselves if they wish, or simply sit with another person if that’s what they need. Distraction, a cheery interrogation about what’s wrong, or leaving them alone all miss the chance to provide genuine emotional support and can increase feelings of isolation.