The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old African American patient.On assessment,the nurse observes yellow sclera.Which other finding would support the nurse's suspicion that hemolysis is occurring?

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Jaundice,or a yellowing discoloration of the skin and sclera of the eyes,can occur as a result of excessive destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).When red blood cells are ruptured,bilirubin is released.The pigment eventually finds its way into the bloodstream,where it causes jaundice.If hemolysis is occurring,the urine will often contain bilirubin,giving urine a brown tea color.Koilonychia are ridges in the fingernails associated with iron deficiency anemia.Circumoral cyanosis is a bluish tinge around the mouth that indicates respiratory deficiency.A hemangioma is a benign,strawberry-colored birthmark common in children.

The Nurse Is Caring for an 80-Year-Old African American Patient