Question

Where should the nurse assess skin color changes in the dark-skinned patient?

1)
Nailbeds
2)
Any exposed area
3)
Oral mucosa
4)
Palms of the hands

Answer 1

A nurse should assess skin color changes in a dark-skinned patient by examining the oral mucosa, as areas with less pigmentation such as the mucosa provide a clearer indication of underlying health conditions that may affect skin color.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate area where a nurse should assess skin color changes in a dark-skinned patient is the oral mucosa. This is because in individuals with dark skin, color changes may not be as apparent on the skin's surface. However, the oral mucosa and other less pigmented areas of the body, such as the conjunctiva of the eyes, palms of the hands, and nail beds, will demonstrate color changes more clearly.

While the nail beds can show quick assessments of oxygen and blood flow, these might not be as visible under darker nail beds. Therefore, assessing the oral mucosa provides a more accurate and prompt examination of the underlying circulation and oxygenation for dark-skinned patients. The palms and soles of the hands and feet are also assessed for color changes such as pallor or cyanosis in dark-skinned patients. When conducting a physical examination, healthcare professionals must be aware of these variations in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.