While assessing a patient's lower extremities, the nurse suspects the lower extremities feel cooler than the upper extremities. To confirm this suspicion, how does the nurse compare the temperatures of the lower extremities with the upper extremities?
A) Using the backs (dorsum) of the hands to detect differences
B) Using the ulnar surface of the hands to detect differences
C) Using the pads of the fingers to detect differences
D) Using the palmar surface (underside) of the hands to detect differences

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dorsal surfaces of the hands detect temperature best. The ulnar surfaces of the hands are the most sensitive to vibration. The pads of the fingers are used in palpation. The palmar surfaces (underside) of the fingers and finger pads are better for determining position, texture, size, consistency, masses, fluid, and crepitus.

While Assessing a Patient's Lower Extremities, the Nurse Suspects the Lower