What should the nurse monitor for after delegating a back massage to ensure patient safety?

Monitoring the patient's pain response during a delegated back massage is crucial for ensuring their safety. While massages can provide comfort and relaxation, they can also inadvertently cause discomfort or pain if the pressure applied is too intense or if the patient has underlying conditions that might make them sensitive to touch. By observing the patient's responses throughout the massage, the nurse can quickly intervene if the patient shows signs of distress, ensuring that the therapeutic purpose of the massage is met without causing harm.

It's important to note that hydration status, nutritional intake, and range of motion are important aspects of overall patient care. However, they are less directly related to the immediate safety concerns that might arise during a back massage specifically. Keeping a close watch on how the patient reacts during the massage is vital to adjust the technique or halt the treatment as needed to safeguard the patient's well-being.