A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and signs of central cyanosis. Which of the following is a reliable indicator of cyanosis?

A. The spacer increases the amount of medication delivered to the oropharynx.

Spacers are designed to minimize the amount of medication deposited in the oropharynx (back of the throat) and reduce the risk of side effects such as oral thrush or hoarseness. The main purpose of using a spacer is to optimize the delivery of medication to the lungs.

B. The spacer increases the amount of medication delivered to the lungs.

When reinforcing teaching with the parents of a child who is starting to use a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to treat asthma, the nurse should include the information that the spacer increases the amount of medication delivered to the lungs. Spacers help improve the delivery of medication from the MDI to the lungs by reducing the need for coordination between actuation of the MDI and inhalation. They also slow down the speed of the aerosolized medication particles, allowing more time for them to be inhaled into the lungs effectively.

C. Inhale rapidly when using the spacer with the MDI.

Inhaling rapidly may lead to improper inhalation technique and reduce the effectiveness of medication delivery to the lungs. Instead, the child should be instructed to inhale slowly and deeply to ensure that the medication reaches the lower airways.

D. Cover exhalation slots of the spacer with lips when inhaling.

Covering the exhalation slots of the spacer with lips during inhalation is not recommended. These slots are designed to allow the child to exhale freely and prevent buildup of pressure within the spacer. Encouraging the child to exhale into the spacer would hinder proper inhalation technique and could lead to decreased medication delivery to the lungs.

A. Nausea

While nausea can occur in hypoxia, it is less common compared to other symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing), confusion, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes).

B. Dysphagia

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is not typically associated with hypoxia. It is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological disorders affecting swallowing function.

C. Agitation

Manifestations of hypoxia can vary depending on the severity and duration of oxygen deprivation. Agitation is a common finding in hypoxia, particularly in cases of acute or severe hypoxemia. As the body's oxygen supply becomes compromised, the brain may perceive this as a threat, leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

D. Warm, dry skin

Warm, dry skin is not a typical finding in hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia may lead to peripheral vasoconstriction and cool, clammy skin as the body attempts to conserve oxygen and maintain core body temperature.