Petechiae are best observed on which sites?

• A. Skin of the arms
• B. Buccal mucosae and conjunctivae
• C. Nail beds
• D. Palms of the hands

Answer: (B)

Petechiae are tiny capillary hemorrhages that appear most clearly where the skin is thin and not heavily pigmented—mucous membranes fit this description, making small red-purple spots easy to spot. The inside of the mouth (buccal mucosae) and the white part of the eye (conjunctivae) are ideal because their epithelium is thin and there’s little pigment to obscure the findings. In contrast, the skin on the arms or palms can have variable thickness and pigmentation, which can hide small petechiae, and nail beds are not a reliable site for detecting these tiny hemorrhages. Checking buccal mucosae and conjunctivae provides a quick, reliable way to visible petechiae, which is why these sites are recommended.