Question

The nurse performs a physical assessment on a dark-skinned African American patient who reports difficulty breathing. What is the best location for the nurse to assess for cyanosis in this patient?

a. Lips
b. Earlobe
c. Conjunctiva
d. Palm of hand

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for cyanosis in a dark-skinned African American patient at the conjunctiva.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best location for the nurse to assess for cyanosis in a dark-skinned African American patient is conjunction.

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes that occurs when the blood does not have enough oxygen. It can be difficult to observe in individuals with dark skin, as the blue color may not be as pronounced. However, the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye, is an area where cyanosis may still be noticeable.