During personal care, a client who is usually reserved suddenly recoils when the HCA touches their arm, whimpers, and says, 'Don't hurt me like they did.' The HCA remembers the client's care plan mentions a history of past trauma without specific details. What is the most appropriate and trauma-informed response from the HCA?

Question: During personal care, a client who is usually reserved suddenly recoils when the HCA touches their arm, whimpers, and says, 'Don't hurt me like they did.' The HCA remembers the client's care plan mentions a history of past trauma without specific details. What is the most appropriate and trauma-informed response from the HCA?

Answer options: ✅ Immediately stop the care task, say, 'I hear you. I will stop for a moment. Can you tell me what you need right now to feel safe?', and adjust care as per client input if possible, then report to the LPN/RN.

• Apologize for the touch and continue with the care quickly to get it over with.
• Tell the client, 'I would never hurt you,' and proceed as originally planned.
• Ask the client for exact details of their past trauma to understand the situation better.

Correct answer: Immediately stop the care task, say, 'I hear you. I will stop for a moment. Can you tell me what you need right now to feel safe?', and adjust care as per client input if possible, then report to the LPN/RN.

Explanation: In a trauma-informed approach, the HCA should prioritize the client's sense of safety and control. Immediately stopping the action, validating their feeling, and asking for their input about feeling safe, then adjusting care and reporting, empowers the client and prevents re-traumatization. Asking for trauma details is invasive and outside the HCA's role.