What skin care intervention should the nurse implement when noticing a reddened area on the coccyx?

When a nurse notices a reddened area on the coccyx, the appropriate skin care intervention is to clean the area with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. This approach is crucial because it helps in removing any debris or bacteria from the skin, which can prevent infection and promote healing. Mild soap is gentle on the skin and less likely to cause further irritation, while thorough but gentle cleaning reduces the risk of skin breakdown or infection.

Patting the area dry is also important, as it prevents excessive moisture that can lead to maceration—a condition where skin gets overly wet and breaks down. By keeping the area clean and dry, the nurse is actively working to address the early signs of pressure injuries or skin irritation, which can develop into more severe issues if not managed promptly.

Other interventions, like using hydrogen peroxide or astringents, could potentially irritate the skin further or disrupt the natural healing process. Similarly, soaking the area in saline might not be directly beneficial for redness and can introduce excessive moisture, which is not ideal in this scenario. Thus, the selected intervention promotes skin integrity and establishes a foundation for proper care and monitoring of the area.