Which gesture communicates professional care while performing a back rub?

• A. Ignore resident comments and continue
• B. Explain what you are doing and ask for feedback about pressure
• C. Do not talk to the resident during the procedure
• D. Only speak after removing gloves

Answer: (B)

Explain what you are about to do and invite feedback about pressure. During a back rub, telling the resident what you’ll do and asking how the pressure feels shows respect, invites participation, and helps tailor the care to their comfort. This allows the resident to report if the pressure is too light, too deep, or causing discomfort, so you can adjust accordingly. That level of communication demonstrates professional care and supports safety and trust.

Ignoring resident comments and continuing moves care away from the resident’s preferences and can lead to discomfort or harm. Not talking during the procedure removes the chance to catch issues early, which isn’t consistent with attentive, person-centered care. Speaking only after removing gloves is not relevant to maintaining ongoing communication about comfort during the procedure.