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 A
Explanation
A) Dehydration:
When the skin remains tented and returns to its normal position slowly after being pinched, it indicates decreased skin turgor, which is a clinical sign of dehydration. Dehydration can occur due to fluid loss from sweating during vigorous physical activity like a beach tournament.
B) Hypervolemia:
Hypervolemia refers to excess fluid volume in the body, which would typically manifest with signs such as peripheral edema or jugular vein distention rather than decreased skin turgor.
C) Properly Hydrated:
Properly hydrated individuals would have normal skin turgor, where the skin returns promptly to its normal position after being pinched.
D) Infection:
Skin tenting is not a specific sign of infection. Infection would typically present with localized signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, and possibly systemic signs like fever.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Measure nerve function in the fingers:
Measuring nerve function typically involves different assessments, such as checking sensation or performing nerve conduction studies. The action in the image is not indicative of a nerve function test.
B. Monitor oxygen status:
Monitoring oxygen status is usually done with a pulse oximeter, which is placed on the finger but does not involve the manual action shown in the image. The image depicts a manual technique, not a pulse oximetry procedure.
C. Determine capillary refill:
The action shown in the image is a technique used to determine capillary refill time. The nurse presses on the nail bed until it blanches and then releases it to see how quickly the color returns. This assesses peripheral perfusion and can indicate circulatory status.
D. Assess finger range of motion:
Assessing finger range of motion involves moving the fingers through their full range of motion, such as flexing, extending, abducting, and adducting them. The action in the image does not reflect these movements and is more indicative of assessing capillary refill.
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