Which statement would be most appropriate when a patient prefers care by a same-sex caregiver?

Which statement would be most appropriate when a patient prefers care by a same-sex caregiver?

• A. We have many male assistants on this unit.
• B. The nurse should have care arranged by a person of the same sex as much as possible and protect the person's personal privacy at all times.
• C. I can see if we can transfer you to another floor.
• D. I will put a sign on your door so that no males enter your room.

Answer: (B)

When a patient requests care by a same-sex caregiver, the focus is on respecting their autonomy and protecting their privacy. The best approach is to arrange care by a person of the same sex as much as possible and to safeguard the patient’s privacy at all times. This honors the patient’s comfort and dignity during care, especially during intimate procedures, and aligns with professional standards for individualized, respectful care. In practice, this means checking the patient’s preference early, coordinating assignments to accommodate it when feasible, and ensuring privacy—such as closing doors or screens, using proper draping, and maintaining a professional, consistent caregiver whenever possible. If a perfect match isn’t available, communicate openly with the patient about options and continue to protect their privacy and comfort. Other options fall short because they either ignore the patient’s preference, propose discriminatory practices, or disrupt care without addressing privacy and dignity.

When a patient requests care by a same-sex caregiver, the focus is on respecting their autonomy and protecting their privacy. The best approach is to arrange care by a person of the same sex as much as possible and to safeguard the patient’s privacy at all times. This honors the patient’s comfort and dignity during care, especially during intimate procedures, and aligns with professional standards for individualized, respectful care.

In practice, this means checking the patient’s preference early, coordinating assignments to accommodate it when feasible, and ensuring privacy—such as closing doors or screens, using proper draping, and maintaining a professional, consistent caregiver whenever possible. If a perfect match isn’t available, communicate openly with the patient about options and continue to protect their privacy and comfort.

Other options fall short because they either ignore the patient’s preference, propose discriminatory practices, or disrupt care without addressing privacy and dignity.