During a resident's morning care, you notice a new reddened area on their sacrum that does not blanch when light pressure is applied. What is your immediate and most important action?

Question: During a resident's morning care, you notice a new reddened area on their sacrum that does not blanch when light pressure is applied. What is your immediate and most important action?

Answer options: ✅ Document the finding and report it immediately to the registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

• Apply a barrier cream to the area to protect the skin.
• Place a donut cushion under the resident's sacrum to relieve pressure.
• Reposition the resident to their side and continue with morning care.

Correct answer: Document the finding and report it immediately to the registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Explanation: A non-blanching reddened area is a sign of a Stage 1 pressure injury. As an HCA, it is crucial to report this immediately to the supervising nurse (RN/LPN) for assessment and intervention, as it is outside the HCA's scope to diagnose or treat.