A nurse is inspecting the nails of a patient with chronic hypoxemia and notices enlargements of the ends of the fingers and angles of the nail base greater than a straight line (exceeding 180 degrees). How does the nurse document these findings?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clubbing is present when the angle of the nail base exceeds 180 degrees. It is caused by proliferation of the connective tissue resulting in an enlargement of the distal fingers and is most commonly associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. This is clubbing, which is not an expected finding. Koilonychia is a thin, depressed nail with the lateral edges turned upward and is associated with anemia. Leukonychia appears as white spots on the nail plate, usually caused by minor trauma or manipulation of the cuticle.

A Nurse Is Inspecting the Nails of a Patient with Chronic