The nurse is documenting findings after completing data collection with a patient. What term should the nurse use to document a large area of discoloration from hemorrhage under the skin?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct term for a large area of discoloration from hemorrhage under the skin is "Ecchymosis" (Choice D). Ecchymosis refers to the medical term for a bruise, which is characterized by a large area of skin discoloration caused by bleeding beneath the skin due to trauma or injury. Pallor (Choice A) refers to paleness of the skin due to decreased blood flow or anemia, not discoloration from hemorrhage. Rubor (Choice B) refers to redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, not discoloration from hemorrhage. Petechiae (Choice C) are tiny red or purple spots on the skin caused by broken capillaries, not a large area of discoloration from hemorrhage as described in the question.