A nurse is assessing a client's skin for potential signs of skin cancer. Which of the following clinical presentations should the nurse consider as indicative of melanoma?
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal.".
"My moles have been changing in size and color.".
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin.".
"I have pink growths with raised edges.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal." This statement may indicate a potential issue with wound healing, but it is not specific to melanoma.
Open sores that don't heal can be associated with various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma or non-cancerous issues.
It does not provide strong evidence of melanoma.
Choice B rationale:
"My moles have been changing in size and color." This statement is indicative of melanoma.
Melanoma often presents as changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of existing moles.
Such changes are a key warning sign of melanoma, and individuals are advised to monitor their moles for any alterations.
Choice C rationale:
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin." Red, scaly patches are more commonly associated with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, rather than melanoma.
While skin changes can occur with melanoma, they are typically related to moles.
Choice D rationale:
"I have pink growths with raised edges." Pink growths with raised edges are more characteristic of basal cell carcinoma rather than melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma often presents as pearly or pinkish growths with raised borders.
Melanoma typically involves moles and exhibits different characteristics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"My moles have been changing in size and color." Similar to , this statement is indicative of melanoma, not basal cell carcinoma.
Changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of moles should raise concern for melanoma.
Choice B rationale:
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal." This statement is more suggestive of basal cell carcinoma, which can present as non-healing sores or ulcers.
It is not specific to melanoma.
Choice C rationale:
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin." Red, scaly patches are not typical of basal cell carcinoma.
This symptom is more commonly associated with other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Choice D rationale:
"I have shiny bumps on my skin." Shiny bumps on the skin are a common presentation of basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as pearly or shiny nodules or bumps on the skin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal." This statement may indicate a potential issue with wound healing, but it is not specific to melanoma.
Open sores that don't heal can be associated with various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma or non-cancerous issues.
It does not provide strong evidence of melanoma.
Choice B rationale:
"My moles have been changing in size and color." This statement is indicative of melanoma.
Melanoma often presents as changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of existing moles.
Such changes are a key warning sign of melanoma, and individuals are advised to monitor their moles for any alterations.
Choice C rationale:
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin." Red, scaly patches are more commonly associated with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, rather than melanoma.
While skin changes can occur with melanoma, they are typically related to moles.
Choice D rationale:
"I have pink growths with raised edges." Pink growths with raised edges are more characteristic of basal cell carcinoma rather than melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma often presents as pearly or pinkish growths with raised borders.
Melanoma typically involves moles and exhibits different characteristics.
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