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What steps should be taken if skin breakdown is observed?

Ignore it

Notify supervisor immediately

When skin breakdown is observed, notifying the supervisor immediately is crucial. Prompt communication ensures that the appropriate interventions can be taken to prevent the situation from worsening. Skin breakdown can lead to serious complications, such as infections or pressure ulcers, which require immediate attention. Alerting a supervisor allows for a coordinated approach to care, as they can assess the situation, determine the severity of the skin issue, and arrange for necessary medical evaluation or additional treatments. This step is integral to the protocol in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and following the chain of command when it comes to patient safety and care. In contrast, ignoring the issue can lead to significant health risks for the patient. While applying ointment and monitoring the area can be part of care after reporting the issue, it should not be the first step taken without guidance from a supervisor. Similarly, documenting in the chart and waiting for a doctor’s order does not address the immediate need for intervention that could prevent further degradation of the skin. Timely action based on observation is essential for maintaining skin integrity and overall patient health.

Apply ointment and monitor

Document in the patient's chart and wait for a doctor’s order

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