Final answer:
To assess skin turgor, a nurse lightly pinches a fold of skin and observes how quickly it returns to its normal position, which indicates the hydration level of an individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique a nurse would use to assess skin turgor is by lightly pinching a fold of skin. This method is utilized to help determine the level of hydration in an individual. By lifting a fold of skin, typically on the back of the hand, lower arm, or abdomen, and then releasing it, the nurse can observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal position. Rapid return or resilience of the skin typically indicates good skin turgor and proper hydration. Slow return indicates dehydration, which might be due to a variety of conditions, including acute or chronic illnesses, inadequate fluid intake, or excessive losses through sweating or diarrhea.
In contrast to figures like 12.3 and 11.6 that discuss the effects of force applied to the skin surface, assessing turgor involves a more gentle and less invasive measure of skin's elasticity. Furthermore, while turgor pressure within a plant cell is influenced by the tonicity of the surrounding solution, as indicated by figure 8.13 or 5.13, in humans, skin turgor is influenced by the body's overall fluid balance and hydration status.