I'm a nursing student doing a rotation in the ED. Last week a woman was brought in by ambulance after having a cardiac arrest at home. During resuscitation efforts, the patient's nightgown was pulled up, exposing her genitalia. My first instinct was to reach over and cover her, but I was afraid of getting in the physician's way. No one else seemed bothered by her nakedness and she remained uncovered until death was pronounced. How do you feel about this?-S.C., HAWAII

I'm bothered by it. To cover another person's nakedness is an act of kindness and respect. Doing so reminds everyone that the code's to be carried out with dignity and professionalism. Please follow your wonderful instinct in every nursing task you perform.