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 choice. Washing towels, sheets, and pillowcases is a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it prevents reinfection and transmission of bacteria or viruses. The client has conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.

Choice B Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using antifungal drops 3 times a day is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not effective for conjunctivitis. Antifungal drops are used for fungal infections of the eye, which are rare and usually occur after trauma or surgery. The client may need antibiotic or antiviral drops, depending on the cause of conjunctivitis.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Scheduling a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) exam is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not relevant for conjunctivitis. STIs can affect the eyes, but they usually cause different symptoms, such as redness, pain, or discharge from the urethra or vagina. The client may need to be tested for STIs if they have other risk factors or signs of infection.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Avoiding going outside during daylight hours is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not necessary for conjunctivitis. The client may experience sensitivity to light, but they can wear sunglasses or avoid direct sunlight to protect their eyes. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching their eyes, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and discard any eye makeup or cosmetics that may be contaminated.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment. Melanoma lesions are often irregular in shape and color, and may have different shades of brown or black.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because melanoma is a very aggressive and invasive type of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. Melanoma has a high mortality rate if not detected and treated early.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because warm and red skin around a lesion may indicate inflammation or infection, but not necessarily melanoma. Melanoma lesions may have other signs, such as bleeding, itching, or ulceration.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because melanoma is associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. UV radiation can damage the DNA of melanocytes and cause them to grow abnormally.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because melanoma lesions are usually not painful unless they are ulcerated or infected. Pain may be a sign of other types of skin conditions, such as burns, blisters, or cuts.