Which of the following is a primary professional responsibility of nurses?

Delivering compassionate patient care is a fundamental professional responsibility of nurses because it encompasses the core values of nursing practice, which include providing holistic care, showing empathy, and promoting the well-being of patients. Compassionate care involves understanding patients' emotional and physical needs, establishing a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, and ensuring that patients feel valued and respected throughout their healthcare experience.

In addition to being a moral and ethical obligation, compassionate care aligns with various nursing frameworks and standards that emphasize patient-centered approaches. By fostering a supportive and caring environment, nurses can enhance patients' comfort, alleviate anxiety, and improve health outcomes.

The other options do not capture the essence of nursing responsibility. Merely following physician orders lacks the critical thinking and patient advocacy inherently involved in nursing, while minimizing interaction and focusing on administrative duties can detract from the quality of patient care, which is at the heart of the nursing profession.