A patient is admitted with acute lung failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Upon inspection of the patient,the nurse observes that the patient's fingers appear discolored.What does this finding indicate the presence of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discoloration of the fingers is an indication of peripheral cyanosis.Central cyanosis occurs when the unsaturated hemoglobin of arterial blood exceeds 5 g/dL and is considered a life-threatening situation.Clubbing refers to an abnormality of the fingers caused by chronically low blood levels of oxygen often related to a heart or lung disease.

A Patient Is Admitted with Acute Lung Failure Secondary to Chronic