What is the first action a nurse should take if they observe welts on a child's legs during a home visit?

The first action a nurse should take when observing welts on a child's legs is to document clinical findings. This step is crucial as it provides a permanent record of the child's condition at the time of assessment. Accurate documentation can include details such as the size, color, and distribution of the welts, any associated symptoms (like itching or pain), and the context in which these findings were observed.

This record serves several purposes: it aids in ongoing assessment and monitoring of the child's condition, helps identify potential causes or triggers, and is important for communication with other healthcare providers, including the physician. Good documentation practices ensure that there is clear communication regarding the child's status and any interventions taken or needed.

In a clinical setting, while applying a cold compress might provide immediate comfort for itching or swelling, the priority is to document as this provides a factual basis for any further steps. Contacting the physician immediately may be necessary later, especially if the condition worsens, but it is not the initial action. Performing a skin assessment could be part of the documentation process, but without the first step of documenting, it doesn’t have the same legal and informative backing. Therefore, thorough documentation is key in nursing practice when identifying changes in a patient's condition.