What constitutes an invasion of privacy during patient care?

An invasion of privacy during patient care occurs when a person's personal space or confidentiality is violated without justification. Exposing a person unnecessarily during bathing can be seen as a direct infringement on their privacy rights. Each patient has the right to have their dignity and modesty respected, and unnecessary exposure can lead to feelings of vulnerability or embarrassment.

In contrast, opening mail at a patient's request is a consensual action that does not violate privacy. Asking for help with changing a heavy resident pertains to collaborative care and does not violate privacy, as it is within the context of providing necessary assistance. Similarly, assisting a doctor during an examination is part of the healthcare process, where patient consent is generally involved, and privacy can be maintained through careful attention to the patient's comfort. Thus, the act of unnecessarily exposing the patient while bathing clearly represents a violation of their privacy rights, making it the correct answer.