A client returns to the clinic for follow-up treatment after a skin biopsy of a suspicious lesion performed 1 week ago. The biopsy report indicates that the lesion is a melanoma. The nurse understands that melanoma has which characteristics?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this question will help the nurse assess the pain level and discomfort of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are raised skin lesions that are red and covered with scales. They can indicate psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells. Psoriasis can cause pain, itching, burning, or stinging sensations in the affected areas. The nurse should ask the client to rate their pain on a numeric or descriptive scale and provide analgesics or topical agents as prescribed.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not affected by food intake but by other factors such as stress, infection, injury, or medication. Psoriasis is not an allergic or dietary disorder, but an immune-mediated disorder that causes abnormal skin cell growth. The nurse should ask the client about their medical history, current medications, and triggers or aggravating factors for their psoriasis.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not treated with antibiotics but with other medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, which are not the cause of psoriasis. The nurse should ask the client about their treatment regimen, compliance, and effectiveness for their psoriasis.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of
the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not related to weekend activities but to chronic skin inflammation and abnormal cell turnover. Psoriasis is not a lifestyle disorder, but a genetic disorder that can be influenced by environmental factors. The nurse should ask the client about their family history, exposure to sun or cold, and stress level for their psoriasis.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this describes a stupor, which is a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced responsiveness. A stuporous client shows minimal movement and verbal responses and requires extreme vigorous stimulation such as painful stimuli to awaken briefly.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this describes obtundation, which is a state of reduced alertness or awareness. An obtunded client is extremely drowsy and minimally responsive and requires vigorous stimulation such as shaking or shouting to wake.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this describes lethargy, which is a state of decreased energy or activity. A lethargic client is alert and oriented x3 (to person, place, and time), but sluggish and drowsy, and wakes to voice or gentle shaking.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this describes a coma, which is a state of deep unconsciousness or unresponsiveness. A comatose client does not respond to verbal stimuli or speak and shows abnormal posturing in response to pain, such as decorticate (flexion of arms and extension of legs) or decerebrate (extension of arms and legs).