If a resident is experiencing skin breakdown, which symptom might you observe?

When a resident is experiencing skin breakdown, observing redness is a key symptom that can indicate the initial stages of pressure ulcers or skin injury. This redness can appear in areas where pressure has been applied, as it results from increased blood flow to the affected area due to tissue damage or irritation. If the redness does not fade when pressure is removed, this can be an indication of a more serious issue, such as compromised tissue integrity. Recognizing redness is crucial for early intervention to prevent further skin breakdown and to implement appropriate care measures, such as repositioning the resident or providing specialized support surfaces.

Other symptoms, such as dryness, gray tint, or itching, may also occur but are generally less specific indicators of skin breakdown related to pressure. Dryness can suggest dehydration or a lack of moisture but does not directly correlate with skin integrity issues. A gray tint might indicate a more severe skin condition or necrosis, but it is not typically an early sign of breakdown. Itching can indicate irritation or allergy but is not specific to skin breakdown itself. Thus, redness stands out as a direct and observable symptom associated with skin breakdown.