A male patient has a soft wrist-safety device. Which assessment finding should the nurse consider abnormal?
A. A palpable radial pulse
B. A palpable ulnar pulse
C. Cool, pale fingers
D. Pink nail beds
Correct Answer: C. Cool, pale fingers
A safety device on the wrist may impair circulation and restrict blood supply to body tissues. Therefore, the nurse should assess the patient for signs of impaired circulation, such as cool, pale fingers. A palpable radial or lunar pulse and pink nail beds are normal findings.
Option A: To palpate a radial pulse, place the tips of the first two or three fingers over the groove along the radial (or thumb) side of the patient’s inner wrist. Slightly extended or flexed the patient’s wrist with the palm down until the pulse was strongest. Lightly compressed the artery against the radius, obliterating the pulse initially.
Option B: The pulse is felt just above a large, raised bony area called the zygomatic arch. Like the radial pulse, the ulnar pulse is taken at the wrist.
Option D: These old cells flatten and harden, thanks to keratin, a protein made by these cells. The newly formed nail then slides along the nail bed, the flat surface under the nails. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels that feed it and give the nails their pink color.