An older adult patient complains of thirst, headache, and weight loss. The patient appears emaciated. On physical assessment the nurse finds that the patient's skin does not return to normal shape after being assessed

This finding is consistent with which of the following? a. Pallor
b. Cyanosis
c. Erythema
d. Poor skin turgor


D
Turgor is the skin's elasticity. To assess skin turgor, grasp a fold of skin on the back of the forearm or sternal area with the fingertips and release. Normally the skin lifts easily and snaps back immediately to its resting position. The skin stays pinched or tented when turgor is poor. You can see pallor (unusual paleness) more easily in the face, buccal mucosa (mouth), conjunctivae, and nail beds. Localized skin changes, such as pallor or erythema (red discoloration), often indicate circulatory changes or are caused by localized vasodilation resulting from sunburn or fever. Observe for cyanosis (bluish discoloration) in the lips, nail beds, palpebral conjunctivae, and palms.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

When obtaining the history from a client with primary RLS, the nurse expects complaints that symptoms are:

a. worse in the morning on waking up. c. worse in the evening and at bedtime. b. primarily noticeable after exercising. d. associated with pregnancy.

Nursing

The father and child were playing soccer on a warm day. The child became dehydrated and was taken to the emergency department. The parents are discussing the situation with the nurse

Which of the following statements by the father indicates that adequate learning has occurred? 1. "I lose a lot more heat than my child can because of my body size.". 2. "My child doesn't sweat as much as I do.". 3. "Children always have a higher normal temperature than adults, so they're more prone to overheating.". 4. "I can take more air into my lungs than my child can, and I get rid of a lot more heat that way.".

Nursing

Upon delivery of the newborn, what nursing intervention most promotes parental attachment?

1. Placing the newborn under the radiant warmer. 2. Placing the newborn on the mother's abdomen. 3. Allowing the mother a chance to rest immediately after delivery. 4. Taking the newborn to the nursery for the initial assessment.

Nursing

The health care provider advises the patient that diagnostic testing is needed to identify the possible presence of a renal abscess. Which test does the nurse prepare the patient for?

a. Renal arteriography b. Cystourethrogram c. Radionuclide renal scan d. Urodynamic flow studies

Nursing