Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide do upon noticing a reddened area on the hip of a comatose resident while bathing?

1. Apply a warm compress to the area

2. Report it and monitor it only

3. Apply a dry protective dressing over the area

4. Massaging the area for relief

The correct answer is: Apply a dry protective dressing over the area

In the scenario where a nurse aide notices a reddened area on the hip of a comatose resident while bathing, applying a dry protective dressing over the area is the most appropriate action. This response is essential in order to protect the skin from further injury and prevent the development of pressure ulcers, which can occur when there is prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body. The reddened area indicates that there might be an early stage of pressure damage, and the goal is to reduce friction and pressure on the skin. By using a dry protective dressing, the aide helps safeguard the area from contamination and reduces the risk of further irritation. This also promotes healing by providing a barrier to harmful bacteria and other external factors. It's important to note that merely reporting and monitoring the area, while necessary for ongoing assessment, does not provide any immediate intervention to protect the resident’s skin. Similarly, applying a warm compress may not address the issue effectively and could potentially worsen skin integrity. Massaging the area is contraindicated, as it could aggravate the reddened skin and lead to further tissue damage instead of promoting healing.