What should be done after washing the resident's face?

Patting dry the face after washing is essential because it helps to remove excess water without causing irritation that might occur from rubbing. Gently patting ensures the skin remains intact and minimizes the risk of discomfort, particularly for residents with sensitive skin. This step also prepares the skin for any subsequent care, such as moisturizing, which can help maintain the skin's hydration and health.

The other options, while potentially beneficial, do not follow the immediate protocol after washing the face. Moisturizing might be appropriate later, depending on the resident's skin condition; checking for redness could be part of a more comprehensive skin assessment but is not a direct follow-up to the face washing; and applying sunscreen is not relevant unless the resident will be exposed to a lot of sunlight afterward. Therefore, patting dry is the most appropriate action immediately following face washing.