How should a nurse inspect a patient's skin?

Inspecting a patient's skin involves a comprehensive assessment that includes evaluating several key characteristics. The correct choice encompasses examining the skin for color, temperature, moisture, turgor, and any abnormalities.

This multifaceted approach is crucial because each characteristic provides important insights into the patient's overall health. For instance, skin color can indicate circulation or oxygenation issues, while temperature can reflect underlying conditions such as infection or inflammation. Moisture levels help determine hydration status, and skin turgor assesses elasticity, which can indicate dehydration. Observing for abnormalities, such as rashes, lesions, or discolorations, is essential in identifying potential health problems early.

The other response options are limited in their scope. Focusing solely on color and temperature, or moisture and turgor, or just lesions ignores important diagnostic information that could be gleaned from a more holistic assessment. This lack of comprehensive evaluation could lead to missed opportunities in identifying conditions or changes that require intervention. Thus, a thorough inspection is necessary for effective patient assessment and care.