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 nor-mal 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 fo-rearm 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.
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