Final answer:
When assessing for jaundice in a dark-skinned patient, the nurse should examine the sclera of the eyes because it is the area where yellow discoloration would be most easily visible, even on darker skin tones.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a dark-skinned patient for jaundice, especially with known liver impairment, it's important to look at areas where the yellowing of tissue would be most apparent. Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the tissues when the liver is unable to process and remove it effectively. This accumulation leads to the yellow coloration of the skin and mucous membranes. In dark-skinned individuals, this yellow hue may not be as obvious in the skin itself. Therefore, the nurse should assess the sclera of the eyes, which would reveal a yellowish discoloration that is indicative of jaundice. The white areas of the eyes tend to show jaundice more readily than other areas because the contrast makes any yellowing easier to detect, even with dark skin tones.
Jaundice can be a sign of various liver conditions, such as hepatitis and pancreatitis, which can lead to an inflammation of the liver. When the liver is compromised, it can lead to an increase in bilirubin levels which presents as jaundice. Therefore, when examining a patient for this condition, the sclera would provide one of the clearest indications.
It's also important to note, when liver function is impaired, other tests such as Hay's test, Gmellin's test, and Fouchet's test can be used to detect the presence of bile pigments in bodily fluids.