A nurse is performing a skin assessment for a client who expresses concern about skin cancer.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of a skin malignancy?

Choice A rationale: Initiating a cardiac enzyme panel can help determine if the client has had a heart attack. However, this is not the immediate priority. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which needs to be addressed first. An ECG can provide immediate information, while a cardiac enzyme panel takes longer to return results.

Choice B rationale: Starting intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary depending on the client’s hydration status and overall condition. However, it is not the immediate priority. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which needs to be addressed first.

Choice C rationale: Providing pain relief medication may be necessary if the client is in pain. However, the client’s primary complaint is chest tightness and difficulty breathing, not pain. Therefore, addressing the potential cardiac issue is the priority.

Choice D rationale: The client’s symptoms of sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness, and anxiety, along with her history of hypertension and diabetes, are concerning for a possible cardiac event. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can provide immediate information about the heart’s electrical activity and help identify if the client is experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac event. This should be the first action taken to quickly identify the cause of the client’s symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment.

Choice E rationale: Performing a comprehensive physical assessment is an important part of nursing care. However, in this situation, the client’s symptoms indicate a need for immediate intervention to address her potential cardiac issue.

Choice F rationale: Monitoring the client’s blood glucose levels is important given her history of diabetes. However, this is not the immediate priority. The client’s symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event, which needs to be addressed first.

Choice A rationale

A temperature of 36.5°C is considered normal.

Choice B rationale

A temperature of 37.5°C is slightly elevated but still within the normal range.

Choice C rationale

A temperature of 38.5°C is considered a fever. Given the client’s symptoms of a productive cough with thick yellow sputum and abnormal breath sounds, this could indicate an infection such as pneumonia, which would likely cause a fever.

Choice D rationale

A temperature of 39.5°C is a high fever and could indicate a severe infection. However, the client’s symptoms are more consistent with a moderate fever.