What abnormality is commonly observed on the hands of clients with emphysema?

In clients with emphysema, clubbing of the fingernail beds is commonly observed as a result of chronic hypoxemia, a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood. This long-term oxygen deprivation can lead to changes in the tissues of the fingers and toes, causing the distal phalanges to enlarge and the nails to curve downward and become rounded, which is indicative of clubbing.

The presence of clubbing is significant in respiratory conditions, as it often reflects an underlying chronic disease process, such as emphysema, that leads to an inadequate supply of oxygen over time. This change is not typical for other conditions, and while other options may appear plausible, they do not specifically correlate with the chronic respiratory distress seen in emphysema. For instance, swelling of fingers might suggest other forms of inflammation or edema, brittle nails could result from nutritional deficiencies or other health conditions, and darkened skin might indicate a different systemic issue rather than a direct consequence of emphysema.

Understanding the relationship between emphasized conditions like emphysema and clubbing can provide insights into the severity of the disease and guide appropriate management and treatment.