Final answer:
The nursing assistant should apply lotion to the resident's dry skin. It's best to use lukewarm water for bathing and avoid alcohol-based products that could irritate the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a resident's skin is dry, the nursing assistant should apply lotion to the skin. Proper skin care is essential for maintaining the skin's health, and moisturizing with lotion can help to keep the skin hydrated. It is important to avoid using very hot or cold water when bathing and to use only alcohol-free products that do not irritate the skin. Bathing every day can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially making dryness worse, while the application of powder could further dry out the skin. Furthermore, using more soap could aggravate the dryness. Residents should be bathed according to their needs, and any products that could irritate the skin, such as harsh astringents, exfoliants, or products with alcohol, should be avoided.