What is the most immediate action required when a resident with incontinence has urinated on the floor?

The most immediate action in this scenario is to clean up the urine to prevent falls. When a resident has urinated on the floor, the primary concern is safety. Wet floors can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of slips and falls for both the resident and staff members. By promptly cleaning up the mess, you help maintain a safe environment, which is crucial in a skilled care unit where residents may have mobility challenges or limited physical stability.

Taking care of the floor's cleanliness also helps to prevent potential accidents and subsequent injuries, which can lead to more significant issues. While assisting the resident or providing them with clean clothing and towels are important actions, they should follow after ensuring that the immediate hazard— the wet floor—has been addressed. Notifying the charge nurse about the incident is also necessary but is not an immediate action concerning safety. The priority is always to create a safe environment first.