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. Mucous Membranes:
In clients with dark skin, mucous membranes such as the lips, tongue, and gums are the best sites to assess for cyanosis. These areas have less pigmentation and are more vascular, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of oxygenation and the presence of cyanosis.
B. Dorsal surface of the hand:
The dorsal surface of the hand can be used to assess for cyanosis in lighter-skinned individuals, but it is less reliable in dark-skinned clients due to the higher melanin content, which can obscure the bluish tint indicative of cyanosis.
C. Dorsal surface of the foot:
Similar to the dorsal surface of the hand, the dorsal surface of the foot is not an ideal site for assessing cyanosis in clients with dark skin. The presence of melanin can make it difficult to detect changes in skin color.
D. Pinnae of the ears:
The pinnae of the ears are also not the best sites for assessing cyanosis in dark-skinned clients. These areas can be highly pigmented, which can mask the bluish discoloration associated with cyanosis. The mucous membranes remain the most reliable site for this assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Improved wound healing:
While silver sulfadiazine is used to promote wound healing by preventing and treating infections in burn victims, this is not an adverse reaction. This is an intended therapeutic effect of the medication.
B. Allergic reaction in patients with sulfa allergies:
Silver sulfadiazine contains sulfa, and patients who have a sulfa allergy may experience an allergic reaction. This can range from mild skin rashes to severe systemic reactions and is considered a significant adverse reaction.
C. Delayed wound healing:
Silver sulfadiazine is generally used to promote wound healing by preventing bacterial infections. Delayed wound healing is not a common adverse reaction but may occur in some cases due to other underlying factors or if the medication is not effective against certain bacteria.
D. Increased risk of infection:
The primary purpose of silver sulfadiazine is to reduce the risk of infection in burn wounds. An increased risk of infection would indicate a failure of the medication, not an adverse reaction. The correct potential adverse reaction is an allergic response in patients with a known sulfa allergy.
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