A nurse is performing a skin assessment on a client who has a dark skin. Which one of the following locations on the client’s body should the nurse observe to access for jaundice?

Choice A reason:

Face is incorrect: Facial skin colour can vary for many reasons, but it may not be the best indicator of jaundice in individuals with dark skin.

Choice B reason

Shoulders is incorrect: The shoulders are not typically indicative of jaundice.

Choice C reason:

Palm of the hands is incorrect: While the palm of the hands can sometimes show yellowing in cases of jaundice, it is less reliable than observing the sclera.

Choice D reason:

Sclera is the best location. In individuals with darker skin tones, yellowish discoloration of the skin due to jaundice can be more challenging to detect. However, the sclera of the eyes can still show noticeable yellowing, making it a reliable location for assessing jaundice in individuals with both light and dark skin.