The nurse is assessing a client's right lower extremity and during inspection notes an area of redness. In order to assess the temperature of the client's skin, the nurse should use which part of the hand?

Question

1. Fingertips
2. Metacarpophalgeal joints
3. Dorsal surface
4. Ulnar surface

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: The fingertips are used for identifying underlying skin structures and functions such as pulses, superficial lymph nodes, or crepitus.
Rationale 2: The metacarpophalgeal joint area of the hand is used to assess for vibration, or fremitus.
Rationale 3: The skin on the dorsal surface of the fingers and the hand is thinner; therefore, it is the best area to assess skin temperature.
Rationale 4: The ulnar surface of the hand is also used to assess for fremitus.