What assessment strategies are important when assessing the affects of oxygenation on skin color?
When assessing the affects of oxygenation on skin color, the nurse should (1) use favorable lighting; (2) consider environmental factors, such as air conditioning, the use of vas-constricting medications, and smoking; (3) examine the least pigmented areas, such as the nails, lips, mucous membrane, conjunctiva, palms, and soles; and (4) observe for other clinical signs of decreased oxygenation to the brain, such as changes in the level of consciousness, increased respirations, use of accessory muscles of respiration, nasal flaring, and positional changes.
