The nurse is bathing a patient and notes reddened skin above the coccyx. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
a. Apply a barrier cream and massage the area.
b. Document and describe the area and report to the physician.
c. Wash and dry the area and position patient without pressure on coccyx.
d. Report the area to the charge nurse.
ANS: B, C, D
Gently wash any reddened or swollen areas, and pat them dry. Use clean, nonsterile gloves as needed to comply with standard precautions. Document the findings from the assessment and report them to the physician, charge nurse, or other appropriate personnel per agency policies. Avoid massaging reddened areas on the skin during the bath. Further tissue breakdown can occur if reddened areas are massaged.
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