A nurse sits at the foot of a patient's bed during an admission interview. This positioning supports the proxemics concept of which psychological comfort zone?

The positioning of the nurse at the foot of the patient's bed during an admission interview is aligned with the concept of public distance in proxemics. This distance typically ranges from about 12 feet to 25 feet, where individuals feel comfortable interacting in a more formal or less intimate manner. By sitting at the foot of the bed, the nurse is respecting the patient’s space while still maintaining an essential level of openness and communication. This distance allows for a balanced interaction where the patient can feel secure and not overwhelmed, which is important in a healthcare setting where patients may already be feeling vulnerable.

Intimate relationships involve incredibly close proximity, typically within a foot or two, which is not appropriate for a professional setting. Personal interactions, while closer than social exchanges, still maintain a level of comfort that would not fit the scenario described, which is more formal. Social exchange typically happens at a distance where individuals are still comfortable, but closer than the public distance used in this scenario, emphasizing the need for a bit of space while communicating effectively.