What does the term "nursing" primarily mean?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UP CNET BSc Nursing 2025 Sample Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4) All of the above

Rationale:

Nursing as a profession includes multiple facets of patient care. It involves nourishing the patient through nutritional support, providing care through medical management, and serving the patient by attending to their overall well-being. Each of these components contributes to the holistic approach of nursing.
Nurses not only provide physical care but also address the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient's condition, demonstrating compassion and support. Therefore, "nourishing," "caring," and "serving" are all part of the nursing role, making option 4 the most comprehensive and accurate response.

Explanation of Other Options:

1) Do nourish to the patient

Rationale: Nourishing the patient is a significant part of nursing, especially in terms of providing nutritional support and maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance. However, nursing care involves more than just nourishment; it includes various other responsibilities such as administering medications and offering psychological support.

2) Do care of the patient

Rationale: Caring for the patient is at the heart of nursing. Nurses provide not just physical care but also emotional, social, and psychological support. They manage medical treatments, monitor the patient's condition, and provide education and support to the patient and their family members.

3) To serve the patient

Rationale: Serving the patient is a key aspect of nursing, but it refers to a broader range of tasks that nurses perform. This includes direct care, attending to needs, offering comfort, and facilitating communication between the patient and other healthcare providers. However, serving alone does not encompass the complete scope of nursing responsibilities.

Conclusion:

Nursing is a comprehensive profession that involves nourishing, caring, and serving patients in various ways. All three actions contribute to the goal of improving health and supporting the patient through the healing process. Therefore, all of the above options are correct in the context of nursing practice.