Touch in the context of a physical evaluation may be necessary. However, touch may be misinterpreted. Those who have had trauma experiences may react with hyper-arousal. When is touch appropriate or not (in relation to the prior two statements and your future role as a PMHNP; what is the neuro/psycho-physiology involved here? Please discuss personal experiences encountering this in patients (HIPAA in mind) if any and/or your thoughts about this topic.
