Which of the following actions helps the nurse to determine the quality of the skin turgor?

• A. Palpating the skin for the presence of edema
• B. Pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to its original position
• C. Measuring the temperature of the skin with a thermometer
• D. Inspecting the skin for color changes such as pallor or cyanosis

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of skin turgor: Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and its ability to return to its original shape after being pinched. It is often used to assess hydration levels in the body.
2. Identify the correct method for assessing skin turgor: Pinching the skin on the back of the hand or another area (such as the forearm or abdomen) and observing how quickly it returns to its original position is the standard method for evaluating skin turgor.
3. Eliminate unrelated actions: Palpating the skin for edema, measuring skin temperature, and inspecting for color changes (e.g., pallor or cyanosis) are important assessments but are not directly related to determining skin turgor.
4. Focus on the observation: When pinching the skin, note whether it returns quickly (indicating normal hydration) or slowly (indicating possible dehydration). This observation is key to assessing the quality of skin turgor.
5. Apply the knowledge clinically: Use this method in practice to assess hydration status, especially in patients at risk for dehydration, such as the elderly or those with certain medical conditions.