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I'm not sure what the mechanism is, but the nurse is only partially right. An increase in pCO2 causes vasoconstriction in the pulmonary vasculature and vasodilation EVERYWHERE else. CO2 causes constriction in the pulmonary vasculature because an increase in pC02 sends the message there is damage/shunting here, sending blood here will not effectively oxygenate it so blood is preferentially sent to a different part of the lung where it will receive better oxygenation.
This happens when one or more of the blood vessels in the hand or wrist become blocked. There are many diseases of blood vessels that can cause vasoconstriction and vaso-occlusion. One of the most common is Raynaud's Disease, during which there is an abnormal reaction in the hand when it is exposed to cold.