The nurse is performing a general survey of a patient. Which finding is considered normal?
a. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
b. The patient appears older than his stated age.
c. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.
d. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) equals the patient's height.
ANS: D
When performing the general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should equal the patient's height. An arm span that is greater than the person's height may indicate Marfan syndrome. The base should be wide when the patient is standing, and an older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of a chronic illness or chronic alcoholism.
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