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When a nurse aide observes an unusual skin area during a bath, the most appropriate action is to report it to the charge nurse. This is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, changes in a resident's skin can indicate underlying health issues or conditions that may require further evaluation and intervention. By reporting it, the charge nurse can assess the situation in a professional manner and decide on the necessary follow-up actions.

Additionally, nurse aides are often trained to recognize abnormalities but may not have the full scope of training or authority to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Reporting ensures that the resident receives a thorough assessment from qualified healthcare professionals who can make medical decisions.

While documenting the observation in the resident's chart is important, it should occur after reporting the finding to the charge nurse, who can then provide guidance on what needs to be documented. Ignoring the observation, even if the resident is not complaining, could lead to serious consequences if the unusual skin area is indicative of a deeper medical issue. Similarly, showing it to a co-worker does not ensure that the necessary action will be taken, as it does not involve the appropriate medical authority to address the concern effectively.