The nurse assesses a patient with light skin and observes normally shaped nail beds exhibiting pallor and a slight bluish color.Which should the nurse implement?

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Nail beds in a patient with light skin are a view of the patient's capillary bed at the periphery.Pallor and a bluish color in the capillary bed indicate inadequate oxygenation because oxygenated blood is dark red resulting in pink nail beds.Generally application of heat and cold requires a prescription from a healthcare provider; moreover,the nurse needs to assess the patient and gather related data before being able to decide that warmth is indicated.The nurse needs to complete the assessment first,as long as the patient is in no immediate danger or experiencing distress,and to think critically before collaboration.If collaboration with the provider becomes necessary,the nurse presents a complete patient assessment.Restricted venous return usually leads to edema; severe peripheral edema leads to pallor; and cyanosis potentially occurs but is not common.

The Nurse Assesses a Patient with Light Skin and Observes