Pat nurses sore head (6)

I believe the answer is:

caress

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'pat' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Scares with loving gesture" , "pet" , "Expression of affection" , "Stroke fondly" , "Stroke affectionately" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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