A nurse is assessing a patient for risk factors associated with skin cancer. Which of the following are considered risk factors for developing skin cancer? Select all that apply
Family history of skin cancer.
Dark skin complexion.
Chronic sun exposure.
Regular use of tanning beds.
Avoidance of wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A rationale:
Family history of skin cancer is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Individuals with a family history of skin cancer have a higher likelihood of developing the condition themselves due to genetic predisposition and shared environmental factors.
Choice B rationale:
Dark skin complexion is generally considered a protective factor against skin cancer.
People with darker skin have more melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV radiation.
While they can still develop skin cancer, it is less common in individuals with dark skin compared to those with fair skin.
Choice C rationale:
Chronic sun exposure is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Prolonged and frequent exposure to UV radiation from the sun increases the risk of DNA damage in skin cells, which can lead to the development of skin cancer over time.
Choice D rationale:
Regular use of tanning beds is a known risk factor for skin cancer.
Tanning beds emit artificial UV radiation, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Avoiding tanning beds is an important preventive measure.
Choice E rationale:
Avoidance of wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts is not a risk factor for developing skin cancer.
In fact, wearing protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, is recommended as a preventive measure to reduce UV exposure and lower the risk of skin cancer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic sun exposure is not a risk factor for basal cell carcinoma.
This statement is incorrect.
Chronic sun exposure is a well-established risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to the development of BCC.
Choice B rationale:
Family history of skin cancer does not increase the risk.
This statement is inaccurate.
A family history of skin cancer, including BCC, can increase an individual's risk of developing the condition.
Genetic factors can play a role in susceptibility to BCC.
Choice C rationale:
History of sunburns is unrelated to basal cell carcinoma risk.
This statement is accurate.
While chronic sun exposure is a risk factor for BCC, a history of sunburns, particularly severe or blistering sunburns, is not directly linked to BCC risk.
However, it is essential to note that sunburns can increase the risk of other types of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Choice D rationale:
Exposure to certain chemicals is not associated with the condition.
This statement is incorrect.
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and some industrial chemicals, has been associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Chemical exposure can be a contributing factor, but it is not the sole cause of BCC.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Use sunscreen with an SPF of 10 or higher for daily protection" is not the best recommendation.
While an SPF of 10 provides some level of protection, it may not offer adequate protection for extended sun exposure or intense sunlight.
Higher SPF values provide better protection against UV radiation, which is important for preventing skin damage and skin cancer.
Choice B rationale:
"Select a sunscreen with the highest SPF available for maximum protection" is not necessarily the best advice either.
While higher SPF values offer more protection, they may not provide significantly greater protection than SPF 30 or 50.
Additionally, very high SPF values can be associated with increased cost and may not be necessary for everyday use.
Choice C rationale:
"SPF 30 or higher is recommended for adequate sun protection" is the most appropriate recommendation.
SPF 30 is considered to be a good balance between protection and usability.
It provides adequate protection against UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn and a significant portion of skin cancer risk.
SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 50 filters out about 98%, making SPF 30 a practical choice for daily use.
Choice D rationale:
"SPF is not essential; wearing a hat is sufficient" is not an accurate recommendation.
While wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide some protection against the sun's harmful rays, it is not a substitute for sunscreen.
Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and should be used in conjunction with other sun protection measures for comprehensive sun safety.
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