An HCA observes a colleague roughly pulling a resident by the arm to get them to sit down for a meal. The resident cries out in pain and appears frightened. What is the HCA's immediate and ethical responsibility?

Question: An HCA observes a colleague roughly pulling a resident by the arm to get them to sit down for a meal. The resident cries out in pain and appears frightened. What is the HCA's immediate and ethical responsibility?

Answer options:

• Confront the colleague immediately to stop the action and then report the incident.
• Quietly document the incident in the resident's care plan and observe for further occurrences. ✅ Report the incident immediately to the charge nurse or supervisor, ensuring resident safety.
• Offer comfort to the resident and then discuss the behaviour with the colleague privately later.

Correct answer: Report the incident immediately to the charge nurse or supervisor, ensuring resident safety.

Explanation: Any instance of potential abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to the appropriate supervisor (charge nurse/LPN or manager) to ensure the resident's safety and initiate proper investigation, as per ethical and legal obligations.