A nurse performs an integumentary assessment of a client who has recently fallen and broken his leg. The nurse notes the skin coloring on the broken leg is bluish gray. What is the term for this change in skin color?

A. Client reports feeling dizzy when sitting up from a supine position.

Dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from a lying down to a sitting or standing position can be indicative of orthostatic hypotension.

B. Client reports feeling palpitations when rising from a supine to a standing position.

Palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat) can be associated with orthostatic changes and may indicate the heart's compensatory response to low blood pressure.

C. Erythema is present on the bilateral lower extremities.

Erythema (redness of the skin) is not typically associated with orthostatic hypotension. This symptom is more likely related to skin conditions or other causes.

D. The client has a temperature of 100.4 F.

Fever (elevated body temperature) is not a direct symptom of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is primarily related to changes in blood pressure upon assuming an upright position.

E. The client states, “I feel lightheaded when sitting up.”

Lightheadedness upon sitting up or standing is a common symptom of orthostatic hypotension.

A. Pallor:

Pallor refers to an unusually pale or white skin color. It is often associated with reduced blood flow, anemia, or shock. Pallor is characterized by a lack of the normal rosy color of the skin.

B. Jaundice:

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. It can be associated with liver dysfunction or other conditions affecting the normal breakdown and elimination of bilirubin.

C. Cyanosis:

Cyanosis is a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. It can result from various conditions affecting oxygenation, such as respiratory or circulatory problems. In the context of a broken leg, cyanosis on the affected leg could suggest compromised blood flow or oxygenation.

D. Erythema:

Erythema refers to redness of the skin, often due to increased blood flow to the area. It can be a normal response to irritation, injury, or inflammation. Unlike bluish-gray discoloration seen in cyanosis, erythema is characterized by a red appearance.