Nurses play a crucial role in assessing skin damage. This assessment typically includes:
Inspection of the skin for any signs of redness, swelling, or open wounds Palpation to check for areas of tenderness or unusual texture Documenting the location, size, and depth of any lesions Monitoring for signs of infection such as warmth, pus, or foul odor
Using standardized tools like the Braden Scale can help in assessing the risk of pressure ulcers.