For a client with darker skin, where is the best place to check for pallor?

For clients with darker skin, assessing for pallor can be challenging since the typical color changes associated with pallor may not be visible on the skin's surface. The tongue is an excellent area to check for signs of pallor because it is mucosal and can show color changes more clearly. A pale tongue may indicate reduced blood flow or a lack of oxygen in the blood, which are indicative of pallor.

Checking the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet may not be as effective due to the presence of thicker skin and varying pigmentation. The area under the eyelids is another common site for pallor assessment; however, it’s less frequently highlighted compared to the tongue, which provides a reliable indicator across varying skin tones. Therefore, examining the tongue is considered the best approach for identifying pallor in individuals with darker skin.