The nurse is teaching a client about seeking medical attention for suspected melanoma skin cancer lesions. The client would demonstrate to the nurse an understanding of teaching by stating "1 will seek medical attention if the mole has:
single color throughout
diameter smaller than 2mm.
has uneven or irregular borders.
Is symmetrical in shape."
The Correct Answer is C
A) Single color throughout:
A mole that is a single, consistent color is typically not a concern for melanoma. However, one of the key warning signs of melanoma is a mole that has multiple colors or shades, such as tan, brown, black, or even red or blue. The presence of more than one color in a mole can indicate melanoma, and the client should be advised to seek medical attention if the mole has varied colors.
B) Diameter smaller than 2mm:
A mole that is smaller than 2mm in diameter is typically not a concern for melanoma. Melanomas are often larger than 6mm in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser, though smaller melanomas can also occur. A mole smaller than 2mm is usually considered benign, but any change in size, shape, or color, regardless of the starting size, should be evaluated.
C) Has uneven or irregular borders:
One of the primary warning signs of melanoma is the presence of irregular or uneven borders on a mole. Normal moles typically have smooth, even borders, while moles with jagged, blurred, or irregular edges are more likely to be melanoma. The client should seek medical attention if they notice any moles with irregular borders, as this could be a sign of malignancy.
D) Is symmetrical in shape:
A mole that is symmetrical (both halves are the same size and shape) is generally not a concern for melanoma. In contrast, asymmetry (when one half of the mole does not match the other half) is a key warning sign for melanoma. A mole that lacks symmetry should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Prepare for a STAT computed tomography (CT) scan:
A severe headache in a client with a suspected stroke could be indicative of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), a hemorrhagic stroke, or another serious complication like cerebral edema. The priority intervention is to perform a CT scan to determine whether the stroke is ischemic (caused by a blockage) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding). This is crucial because the treatment approach for these two types of strokes differs significantly. For example, hemorrhagic strokes require immediate management to control bleeding and reduce ICP, whereas ischemic strokes may be treated with thrombolytics or other interventions. Therefore, preparing for a CT scan is the most urgent action to accurately diagnose the type of stroke and guide treatment decisions.
B) Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG):
While an ECG may be useful in assessing the cardiac rhythm and identifying potential arrhythmias (which can contribute to stroke risk), it is not the priority intervention in a patient with a suspected stroke and severe headache. The primary concern is to identify the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), and a CT scan is the most direct way to do this. A 12-lead ECG can be obtained later if cardiac issues are suspected after stroke diagnosis.
C) Start an intravenous infusion of D5W at 100 mL/hr:
Starting an IV infusion of D5W (5% dextrose in water) is not an appropriate priority for a patient with a severe headache and suspected stroke. In fact, administering dextrose solutions may worsen the patient's condition in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, as it could exacerbate cerebral edema or increase intracranial pressure. Fluid management in stroke patients should be approached cautiously, and IV fluids should be tailored to the patient's specific needs. The focus should be on imaging to determine the type of stroke before initiating interventions like IV fluids.
D) Administer a nonnarcotic analgesic:
While pain relief is important, administering a nonnarcotic analgesic (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) is not the priority in this situation. The patient's severe headache could be a sign of a serious complication like increased ICP or hemorrhagic stroke, which requires immediate diagnostic workup, not just pain management. Administering pain medication without understanding the underlying cause of the headache could mask symptoms and delay critical treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Determine when the patient last ate and call for spiritual advisor:
While it is important to gather a comprehensive history, including when the patient last ate, and to provide emotional support such as calling a spiritual advisor, these actions are not the priority in this situation. The immediate concern is the patient's physical condition and addressing the potential trauma to the chest and abdominal organs. Bowel sounds in the chest suggest a serious injury, such as a diaphragmatic rupture, which requires immediate surgical intervention.
B) Assess vital signs and immediately notify the trauma surgeon:
Hearing bowel sounds in the chest is a strong indication of a diaphragmatic injury, possibly a rupture, which can lead to the bowel being displaced into the chest cavity. This is a life-threatening emergency that can result in respiratory distress, impaired organ function, and infection. The nurse should assess vital signs to determine if the patient is stable or in shock and then immediately notify the trauma surgeon to facilitate urgent surgical intervention. Immediate surgical repair is necessary to prevent further complications such as respiratory compromise or sepsis.
C) Request an order for a chest x-ray and stop IV fluids:
A chest x-ray may be ordered later to confirm the presence of diaphragmatic injury or other chest trauma, but the priority action is to notify the trauma surgeon immediately. Stopping IV fluids is not appropriate in this situation; the patient likely needs continued fluid resuscitation, especially if they are in shock or have significant blood loss from their traumatic injuries.
D) Medicate the patient's pain and obtain consent for surgery:
Pain management is important for the patient’s comfort, but surgical intervention should not be delayed while obtaining consent. The trauma surgeon should be notified immediately, and surgery should be expedited without waiting for consent. In trauma cases, consent for life-saving procedures may be implied if the patient is unconscious or unable to provide consent due to the urgency of the situation.
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