While making an occupied bed, what should the NA observe?

While making an occupied bed, what should the NA observe?

• A. The resident's skin for signs of breakdown.
• B. The room lighting level.
• C. The resident's meal preferences.
• D. The resident's shoe size.

Answer: (A)

The main thing to observe while making an occupied bed is the resident’s skin condition to prevent pressure injuries. As you work, you’re in direct contact with the skin and can spot early signs of breakdown, especially over bony areas like the sacrum, heels, hips, elbows, and shoulders. Look for nonblanchable redness, warmth, moisture, or skin areas that feel tender or painful, and note any open sores or delayed blanching after pressure is removed. Early detection matters because it prompts timely actions—repositioning the resident, keeping the skin clean and dry, applying any prescribed barrier creams, and promptly reporting changes to the nurse so a plan to relieve pressure can be implemented. While you’re at it, ensure linens are smooth and pads or devices are padded to reduce friction and shear. Other items like room lighting, meal preferences, or shoe size aren’t related to monitoring skin integrity during this task.

The main thing to observe while making an occupied bed is the resident’s skin condition to prevent pressure injuries. As you work, you’re in direct contact with the skin and can spot early signs of breakdown, especially over bony areas like the sacrum, heels, hips, elbows, and shoulders. Look for nonblanchable redness, warmth, moisture, or skin areas that feel tender or painful, and note any open sores or delayed blanching after pressure is removed. Early detection matters because it prompts timely actions—repositioning the resident, keeping the skin clean and dry, applying any prescribed barrier creams, and promptly reporting changes to the nurse so a plan to relieve pressure can be implemented. While you’re at it, ensure linens are smooth and pads or devices are padded to reduce friction and shear. Other items like room lighting, meal preferences, or shoe size aren’t related to monitoring skin integrity during this task.