When turning a client, the nurse notices a reddened area on the coccyx

When turning a client, the nurse notices a reddened area on the coccyx. What skin care interven-tions should the nurse use on this area?

1. Clean the area with mild soap, dry, and add a protective moisturizer.
2. Apply a dilute hydrogen peroxide and water mixture and use a heat lamp to the area.
3. Soak the area in normal saline solution.
4. Wash the area with an astringent and paint it with povidone-iodine (Betadine).

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The skin should be cleansed and completely dried and a protective moisturizer applied to keep the epidermis well lubricated. Hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic and should not be used. A heat lamp is not necessary and would increase the client’s risk for an accidental burn. The area should not be soaked because this may lead to maceration of the skin. The area should not be cleansed with an astringent and painted with povidone-iodine. An astringent may cause excessive drying of the tissue, and povidone-iodine is cytotoxic.