A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. To palpate for unexpected pulsations in the pulmonic area, at which anatomical location should the nurse place her fingers?

Choice A rationale:

Sanguineous. Sanguineous drainage is typically bright red and consists of fresh blood. It indicates active bleeding from the wound. In this case, the drainage described is not bright red but rather light red-pink, suggesting that it is not purely sanguineous.

Choice B rationale:

Serous. Serous drainage is thin, watery, and typically clear or slightly yellowish in color. It is a normal part of the wound healing process and is not indicative of active bleeding. However, the drainage described in the question is light red-pink, which is not consistent with serous drainage.

Choice C rationale:

Purulent. Purulent drainage is thick, often opaque, and can range in color from yellow to green. It indicates the presence of infection in the wound. The description of watery light red-pink drainage does not align with the characteristics of purulent drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Serosanguineous. Serosanguineous drainage is a combination of serous and sanguineous fluids. It appears as a thin, watery drainage that is pink-tinged due to the presence of a small amount of blood. This description matches the observed drainage in the question. Serosanguineous drainage is common during the initial stages of wound healing and is considered a normal part of the process.

Choice A rationale:

Cyanosis - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is an objective sign that can be visually assessed, not based on the patient's description.

Choice B rationale:

Petechiae - Petechiae are small, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. Like cyanosis, this is a physical finding that can be observed directly.

Choice C rationale:

Dizziness - This is the correct choice. Dizziness is a subjective sensation that the patient experiences. It cannot be directly observed and relies on the patient's description of feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or having a spinning sensation.

Choice D rationale:

Blood pressure - Blood pressure is an objective measurement that can be taken using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope or automated device. It is not based on the patient's description and does not fall under subjective data.