During assessment, the nurse would expect which part of the body to indicate central cyanosis in a client with a severe asthma attack?
Nail Beds
Sclera
Oral Mucosa
Palms
The Correct Answer is C
A. Nail Beds:
While peripheral cyanosis can cause bluish discoloration of the nail beds, central cyanosis is more indicative of systemic hypoxemia and is best assessed in areas with rich blood supply, such as the oral mucosa.
B. Sclera:
The sclera is more commonly used to assess for jaundice (yellowing) rather than cyanosis. Cyanosis is not typically visible in the sclera.
C. Oral Mucosa:
Central cyanosis is most accurately assessed in areas with high vascularization, such as the oral mucosa. This area provides a clear indication of oxygenation status and can reveal hypoxemia more reliably than peripheral sites.
D. Palms:
Similar to the nail beds, the palms can show signs of peripheral cyanosis but are not the primary site for assessing central cyanosis. The oral mucosa remains the best site for this assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Acanthosis Nigricans:
Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin, often found in body folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin. It does not present as the yellow discoloration seen in the photo.
B. Cyanosis:
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. The image shows yellow discoloration, not the blue tint associated with cyanosis.
C. Jaundice:
Jaundice is indicated by a yellowish tint to the skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels, commonly associated with liver dysfunction. The photo clearly shows this yellow discoloration, consistent with jaundice, often seen in chronic alcoholics with liver disease.
D. Carotenemia:
Carotenemia presents as a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, especially on the palms and soles, due to high levels of carotene in the blood. It does not typically affect the sclera, which differentiates it from jaundice. The uniform yellowing of the skin and eyes in the photo aligns more with jaundice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Size:
When assessing lymph nodes, noting the size is crucial as enlarged lymph nodes can indicate infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Size helps in determining the extent and severity of the underlying condition.
B) Consistency:
The consistency of lymph nodes (whether they are hard, rubbery, or soft) provides important diagnostic information. For instance, hard lymph nodes may suggest malignancy, while soft nodes might indicate an infection.
C) Shape:
Recording the shape of lymph nodes is essential in the assessment process. Regular, oval, or round shapes can be normal, while irregularly shaped nodes might be concerning and warrant further investigation.
D) Color:
Color is not typically assessed or noted when examining lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are internal structures, and their color cannot be directly observed without invasive procedures. The focus is usually on palpable characteristics like size, consistency, and shape.
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