A patient comes in for a physical examination in late July and states that she was "freezing to death" while waiting for her examination. The nurse notes that her skin is pale and cool. What should the nurse understand is the likely cause?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A chilly or air-conditioned environment causes vasoconstriction, which results in false pallor and coolness. Venous pooling and peripheral vasodilation do not cause pale or cool skin. Although decreased arterial perfusion can cause pale, cool skin, it is usually in the distal lower extremities and not generalized feeling cold.

A Patient Comes in for a Physical Examination in Late