Which term describes a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes appear yellow?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Dizziness
• C. Documentation
• D. Dressing

Answer: (A)

Yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes indicates jaundice. This happens when bilirubin, a yellow pigment from bile, builds up in the body due to liver problems, bile duct obstruction, or rapid breakdown of red blood cells. For a CNA, spotting jaundice is a red flag that requires prompt reporting to the nurse in charge and careful observation for related symptoms such as dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or fatigue. Jaundice isn’t something you treat; it signals a potential medical issue that needs evaluation. The other terms describe different things—dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, documentation is recording information, and dressing is covering wounds—so they don’t describe a color change in the skin.