A nurse is assessing a client who reports a nevus that has increased in size and an irregularly shaped lesion that varies in color. These findings are consistent with which of the following medical diagnoses?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
Basal cell carcinoma
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents as a rough, scaly, red patch, open sore, or raised growth with a central depression, often on sun-exposed areas of the body. While it can appear as a lesion that varies in color, it is not commonly associated with a nevus that has increased in size.
Choice B reason:
Malignant melanoma is associated with changes in preexisting nevi, such as an increase in size and variations in color. It often appears as a mole that changes in color, size, or feel and may have irregular edges. The description of the lesion provided by the client is characteristic of malignant melanoma, making this the correct diagnosis.
Choice C reason:
Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels and typically appears as patches of abnormal tissue on the skin or mucous membranes. These lesions are usually red or purple and look similar to bruises¹. They are not typically described as nevi that increase in size or lesions that vary in color.
Choice D reason:
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. It usually presents as a pearly white or pink bump on white skin, or a brown or black bump on darker skin, and is most often found on sun-exposed areas. It is not typically associated with a nevus that has increased in size or an irregularly shaped lesion that varies in color.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hay fever allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, is primarily associated with the action of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and not directly with T-cells. T-cells can contribute to the regulation of the immune response in allergies, but IgE is the main immunoglobulin involved in the typical symptoms of hay fever.
Choice B reason:
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the release of large amounts of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells and basophils, often triggered by IgE antibodies. While T-cells can play a role in the sensitization phase of allergy, anaphylaxis itself is not directly caused by T-cells.
Choice C reason:
Transplant rejection is a process in which T-cells play a central role. When a transplant recipient's immune system recognizes the donated organ as foreign, T-cells can mediate the rejection by attacking the transplanted tissue, leading to its failure.
Choice D reason:
Bacterial phagocytosis is primarily the function of phagocytes like neutrophils and macrophages. T-cells are involved in the adaptive immune response and can activate phagocytes, but they do not directly perform phagocytosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positive Trousseau's sign
Trousseau's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not CTS. It is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to above systolic pressure for 3 minutes. A positive sign is characterized by carpal spasm, which is not related to CTS.
Choice B reason: Cool extremities
Cool extremities can be a result of various conditions, including peripheral vascular disease or hypothyroidism. They are not a specific indicator of CTS, which primarily affects nerve function rather than blood circulation or temperature regulation.
Choice C reason: Decreased radial pulse
A decreased radial pulse is not typically associated with CTS. It may indicate a cardiovascular issue or a blockage in the radial artery, which would require further investigation unrelated to CTS.
Choice D reason: Positive Phalen's sign
Phalen's sign is a diagnostic test for CTS. The test is performed by having the patient flex their wrist maximally and hold the position for about 60 seconds. A positive Phalen's sign, which includes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger, is indicative of CTS. This occurs due to increased pressure on the median nerve when the wrist is in flexion.
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