The legs must be exposed to the ambient temperature for a full five minutes before the skin temperature can be properly assessed. Once the legs are exposed, perform some other part of the examination before returning to examine skin temperature.
Assess with the palmar or dorsal surface of the hand. The dorsal surface is often better as the palmar surface is usually moist and warm, and as such, is a less accurate temperature sensor.
Assess the skin temperature of the whole limb. Note points where there the temperature changes. Do not assume a red or blue area is hot - feel it.
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