The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and technique should be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dorsa (backs) of the hands and fingers are best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsal surfaces than on the palms. Fingertips are best for fine, tactile discrimination, not for assessing skin temperature. The ulnar and palmar surfaces of the hands are not useful for palpation.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient's Skin During an Office