Which statement best describes indirect care?

• A. Interventions performed through interaction with the client
• B. Interventions performed away from but on behalf of the client
• C. Nursing actions that require patient consent
• D. Activities done only in emergency situations

Answer: (B)

Indirect care means nursing actions done away from the patient that support care on the patient’s behalf. This covers coordinating with other health professionals, planning and organizing resources, documenting care, advocating for the patient, and arranging referrals or discharge planning. These tasks enable and improve the patient’s care without the nurse being directly at the bedside with the patient.

This is why the statement describing interventions performed away from the client but on behalf of the client is the best fit. It contrasts with direct care, which involves hands-on activities with the patient. Actions that require the patient’s consent relate to direct involvement, and activities limited to emergencies often involve immediate direct interaction with the patient.