What should a CCA do if they discover a resident has a pressure ulcer?

When a CCA discovers that a resident has a pressure ulcer, the appropriate action is to report the ulcer to a nurse and ensure that proper care and documentation are undertaken. This is crucial because pressure ulcers require professional assessment to determine their severity and appropriate treatment plan. Timely intervention by nursing staff is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the wound and to implement a care plan that may include wound care, repositioning, and other supportive measures.

Ensuring proper documentation is also vital, as it provides a record of the ulcer's status and the interventions taken. This documentation can be important for ongoing monitoring and care, as well as for legal and healthcare continuity reasons.

Leaving a pressure ulcer untreated can lead to complications, including infection or worsening of the wound, which can have serious health implications for the resident. Applying ointment immediately without proper assessment could result in inappropriate treatment, and informing only the resident's family does not address the immediate medical needs of the resident or establish a care plan to manage the ulcer effectively. Thus, reporting the finding to a nurse is the most responsible and effective action for a CCA to take.