Depending on the nurse’s area of practice, clinical touching of clients may become routine for the nurse. However, it is never routine for the client. Nurses must ensure that before client care is provided, that they explain what they are doing and why, and receive informed consent from the client. Nurses must remain aware of the power they hold in health care settings and keep the client perspective in view.

Strategies to help nurses keep clients comfortable and informed include:

• Giving clear, timely explanations of why a procedure is needed
• Ensuring touching will not be misinterpreted by the client by explaining exactly what they will do and why it is necessary
• Answering questions the client may have
• Respecting the client's right to privacy:
  • provide appropriate draping
  • leave the room when the client changes clothes
• Being knowledgeable about gender, cultural, and ethnic sensitivities
• Being alert to possible misunderstandings
• Asking themselves what a neutral outsider would say if observing your conduct