A nurse is assessing a client at a dermatology clinic.
Which of the following findings places the client at risk for developing malignant melanoma?

Choice A rationale

While individuals aged 19 to 30 years are generally at a lower risk for malignant melanoma compared to older adults, melanoma can still occur at any age, especially with certain risk factors. However, age alone does not significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma without additional risk factors.

Choice B rationale

Hair color has minimal impact on the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Although individuals with fair skin and light hair have a higher risk of sunburn and subsequent melanoma, having dark hair does not significantly reduce the risk compared to other factors.

Choice C rationale

Female gender does not inherently increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Both males and females are at risk, although certain lifestyle factors and behaviors, such as sun exposure, can influence individual risk levels regardless of gender.

Choice D rationale

A history of repeated sunburn significantly increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunburns causes DNA damage in skin cells, leading to mutations that can result in melanoma. Repeated sunburns exacerbate this risk, making it a critical factor in melanoma development.

Choice A rationale

Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous breath sounds that are often indicative of secretions in the large airways. These sounds may change or clear with coughing, so the nurse should have the patient cough and then auscultate again to reassess the presence of rhonchi.

Choice B rationale

Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds heard primarily during expiration. They are caused by narrowed airways, typically due to asthma or other obstructive lung conditions. Wheezes do not usually clear with coughing and require specific treatments to address airway constriction.

Choice C rationale

Crackles are discontinuous, popping sounds heard during inspiration and are associated with fluid in the alveoli, such as in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically cleared by coughing and may persist despite the patient's efforts to clear their airways.

Choice D rationale

Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration, often indicating upper airway obstruction. Stridor is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention to secure the airway. It does not clear with coughing and signifies a critical respiratory issue. .