A nurse is providing teaching for a client who is preparing for a below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following statements is true regarding the postoperative placement of a prosthesis?

Choice A reason:
Resuming sexual intercourse in 2 to 3 weeks may not be appropriate for all patients after such a major surgery. The recovery time can vary based on individual factors, including the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. It's essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations, which typically involve waiting until after the postoperative check-up, usually around 6 weeks, to ensure proper healing.

Choice B reason:
Increased vaginal drainage typically occurring 5 days following surgery could be a sign of infection or other complications. Normal postoperative discharge should gradually decrease over time. If a patient experiences increased drainage, especially if it's foul-smelling or accompanied by fever, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason:
After a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, patients may experience vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels. Using artificial lubricants can help alleviate symptoms of itching and dryness, making this an appropriate instruction for postoperative care.

Choice D reason:
A Papanicolaou (Pap) test is not typically required every 6 months after a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine cancer unless the surgery was performed as treatment for cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer. For those who had the procedure due to benign conditions, further Pap tests are generally not necessary.

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.