ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

In which body parts might skin discoloration due to cyanosis be observed?

1. Gums and earlobes

2. Gums and tongue

3. Earlobes and tongue

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Skin discoloration due to cyanosis typically occurs in areas where blood vessels are more visible, particularly in regions where there is a decreased level of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis is a blue or purplish discoloration that indicates that hemoglobin in the blood is inadequately oxygenated. Observing cyanosis can occur in the gums and tongue due to their rich vascular supply and superficial nature. The mucous membranes of these areas will often exhibit early signs of cyanosis, especially in cases of respiratory distress or circulatory issues. Earlobes also can show signs of cyanosis for the same reasons. They are relatively thin and have a good blood supply, making them an observable area when assessing for oxygenation levels. Since all of these parts – gums, earlobes, and tongue – have a propensity to show cyanosis, the best answer encompasses all these areas. Hence, the presence of cyanosis can indeed be observed in the gums, tongue, and earlobes, reinforcing the idea that monitoring these areas is critical for assessing a patient’s oxygenation levels effectively.