An HCA in a community home care setting is providing care to a client with a known history of substance use disorder. During a visit, the HCA notices several empty alcohol bottles hidden in the client's bedroom and the client appears disheveled, smells of alcohol, and is slurring words. The client denies drinking and becomes defensive when questioned. What is the HCA's most appropriate first step in response to these observations?

Question: An HCA in a community home care setting is providing care to a client with a known history of substance use disorder. During a visit, the HCA notices several empty alcohol bottles hidden in the client's bedroom and the client appears disheveled, smells of alcohol, and is slurring words. The client denies drinking and becomes defensive when questioned. What is the HCA's most appropriate first step in response to these observations?

Answer options: ✅ Document detailed observations and report concerns to the supervisor/case manager immediately for follow-up.

• Confront the client about the alcohol use and persuade them to stop.
• Leave the home immediately, as the client might become aggressive.
• Clean up the bottles and pretend not to notice to avoid upsetting the client.

Correct answer: Document detailed observations and report concerns to the supervisor/case manager immediately for follow-up.

Explanation: The HCA's role is to observe and report, not to diagnose or counsel. Documenting objective observations and reporting to the supervisor ensures the care team is aware, and appropriate interventions, such as a professional assessment or crisis intervention, can be planned while maintaining client safety.