What should the CNA report to the charge nurse if they observe skin breakdown during a bath?

Reporting the size of the area and the condition of the skin is essential because both pieces of information provide the charge nurse with a comprehensive overview of the patient's skin health. The size of the area helps to assess the severity of the breakdown, indicating whether it is a small irritation or a larger, potentially more serious wound. Meanwhile, the condition of the skin gives insight into the type and extent of the breakdown, whether it is a superficial abrasion or a deeper ulceration, which can inform further treatment needs.

Together, these details allow for appropriate interventions to be planned and executed to prevent further deterioration and promote healing. When reporting only the area size, condition of the entire skin, or location of the breakdown, critical information may be missed that could affect patient care outcomes. Thus, providing both the size and condition ensures that the charge nurse can make informed clinical decisions.