2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A client complains that her skin is redder than normal. The nurse notes the client's skin, documents hyperemia, and explains to the client that this condition is caused by which factor?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperemia, characterized by an increased volume of blood in the dilated superficial capillaries, directly leads to the redness observed in the client’s skin. This condition occurs as a response to various stimuli, such as inflammation or increased metabolic activity in the area.
Option A is incorrect; constriction of blood vessels would result in reduced blood flow, leading to paleness rather than redness. Option B, an increased amount of bilirubin, typically causes jaundice, not hyperemia, as it affects skin color differently. Option C, while related to blood flow, does not specifically address the dilation of capillaries that causes the redness seen in hyperemia.