The nurse's intervention in a resident's behavior suggests the resident is attempting to

• A. Respect the resident's privacy
• B. Seek attention from staff
• C. Maintain personal space
• D. Gain control over the room

Answer: (C)

When a resident takes steps to keep others at a distance, such as moving away, turning away, or indicating they don’t want close contact, they’re signaling a wish to maintain personal space. This boundary-setting reflects a need to preserve autonomy and comfort by controlling how close others can get. The nurse’s response should honor that boundary—knock before entering, give space, and avoid unnecessary closeness—so the resident feels safe and respected.

Why the other possibilities don’t fit as well: the goal is not about drawing attention from staff, nor about the resident trying to dominate the room; it’s about preserving a comfortable distance. Respecting privacy is related, but the resident’s behavior specifically points to maintaining personal space.