While working in the Emergency department a Rapid response nurse is evaluating a patient in acute respiratory failure after a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?
Soles of the feet
Oral mucosa
Ear lobes
Conjunctivae
The Correct Answer is B
(a) Soles of the feet:
The soles of the feet are not considered the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because peripheral areas can be affected by various factors, including temperature and circulation. Changes in color here might not accurately reflect central oxygenation status.
(b) Oral mucosa:
The oral mucosa is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because it reflects the oxygenation status of the central circulatory system. Cyanosis in this area indicates a significant drop in arterial oxygen saturation and is a more direct indicator of hypoxemia compared to peripheral sites.
(c) Ear lobes:
Ear lobes, like the soles of the feet, can be influenced by peripheral circulation and environmental factors. While cyanosis can be observed here, it is not as reliable as central sites like the oral mucosa for assessing systemic oxygenation.
(d) Conjunctivae:
The conjunctivae can show signs of cyanosis, but the oral mucosa is still a more sensitive and reliable indicator for central cyanosis. The oral mucosa provides a clear and consistent site to assess oxygenation in emergency situations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Facial edema: Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that is often characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, leading to facial and peripheral edema. This is a classic symptom of myxedema and is expected in clients with this condition.
B) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism. Clients with myxedema typically experience constipation due to slowed gastrointestinal motility.
C) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is associated with hyperthyroidism. In contrast, myxedema is associated with bradycardia or a slow heart rate because of the overall slowing of the body's metabolic processes.
D) Heat intolerance: Heat intolerance is a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Clients with myxedema usually experience cold intolerance due to decreased metabolic activity and impaired thermoregulation.
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.
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