A water nosegay, especially in the context of hospitals, is designed to be compact and easy to manage, which is why its characteristic feature is that it is round and cushiony in form. This design allows for a small, dense bouquet that can easily fit on bedside tables without taking up too much space or being cumbersome.
Having a round and cushiony shape also ensures that the arrangement can provide a balanced aesthetic while being practical. The compact design minimizes the risk of damage or spillage of water, which could be a concern in a hospital environment, while still allowing for a visually pleasing display of flowers. This type of arrangement is particularly suited to hospital settings, where patients may prefer something that is easy to handle and does not require significant effort to care for.
The other options, while related to floral arrangements, do not accurately define the essence of a water nosegay in a hospital context. Long stems might create more of a risk in tight spaces, extensive materials would complicate the arrangement unnecessarily, and primarily being a hand-held arrangement doesn't necessarily fit the structure or intended use of a water nosegay in a hospital setting.