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A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

A. Soles of the feet

B. Ear lobes

C. Oral mucosa

This is because central cyanosis reflects a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation and is best seen in areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as the oral mucosa, tongue, and lips. Peripheral cyanosis, which may be caused by vasoconstriction or poor circulation, can be seen in the soles of the feet, ear lobes, and nail beds, but it does not necessarily indicate hypoxemia.

D. Conjunctivae

This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI SP 250 Exam 3 Med Surg Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now


Full Explanation

This is because central cyanosis reflects a decrease in arterial oxygen  saturation and is best seen in areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, such  as the oral mucosa, tongue, and lips. Peripheral cyanosis, which may be caused by  vasoconstriction or poor circulation, can be seen in the soles of the feet, ear lobes,  and nail beds, but it does not necessarily indicate hypoxemia.


Similar Questions

QUESTION

A nurse is admitting a client who is having an exacerbation of his asthma. When reviewing the provider's orders, the nurse recognizes that clarification is needed for which of the following medications?

A. Propranolol

The nurse should clarify with the provider why this medication is ordered and if there are any alternatives that are safer for the client. The other medications are appropriate for a client who has asthma.

B. Theophylline

C. Montelukast

D. Prednisone

Full Explanation

The nurse should clarify with the provider why this medication is  ordered and if there are any alternatives that are safer for the client. The other  medications are appropriate for a client who has asthma. 

QUESTION

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "Limit water intake with meals."

B. "Use a bronchodilator 1 hour before eating."

The nurse should also advise the client to drink fluids between meals, eat small frequent meals, and increase protein intake to maintain muscle mass and immune function.

C. "Eat 3 large meals each day."

D. "Reduce protein intake."

Full Explanation

The nurse should also advise the client to drink fluids between meals, eat  small frequent meals, and increase protein intake to maintain muscle mass and  immune function.

QUESTION

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has AIDS. The nurse notes that the client has multiple and widespread raised, purplish- brown skin lesions. The nurse should recognize that these findings indicate which of the following conditions?

A. Kaposi's sarcoma

The lesions are caused by human herpesvirus 8 and can appear anywhere on the body, but are more common on the face, trunk, and extremities. The other conditions are not associated with AIDS or immunosuppression.

B. Basal cell carcinoma

C. Actinic keratosis

D. Toxic epidermal necrosis

Full Explanation

The lesions are caused by human herpesvirus 8 and can appear  anywhere on the body, but are more common on the face, trunk, and extremities.  The other conditions are not associated with AIDS or immunosuppression.