The nurse is to administer eye drops four times per day to a patient diagnosed with conjunctivitis. The nurse should administer the medication by gently dropping the medication onto which of the following areas?

Choice A reason: Changes in a mole’s size or color indicate potential melanoma, a skin cancer from malignant melanocytes. These changes reflect uncontrolled cell growth, altering pigmentation or lesion size. The ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) highlight evolving moles as concerning, requiring medical evaluation to detect early malignancy and improve prognosis through timely intervention.

Choice B reason: A mole larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch) is concerning per the ABCDE criteria for melanoma. Larger diameter suggests abnormal melanocyte proliferation, increasing malignancy risk. While not definitive, this size threshold prompts evaluation, as melanoma can invade deeper skin layers, necessitating early detection to prevent metastasis and ensure effective surgical or therapeutic intervention.

Choice C reason: Moles with irregular edges are concerning, as irregular borders in the ABCDE criteria suggest melanoma due to uneven melanocyte growth. The client’s statement that they are “nothing to worry about” is incorrect, as irregular edges indicate potential malignancy, requiring medical assessment to rule out cancerous changes in skin cell structure and growth patterns.

Choice D reason: Completely round moles are typically benign, as symmetry is a reassuring feature in the ABCDE criteria. The statement to get them checked is incorrect, as round, symmetrical moles without other concerning features (size, color change) are less likely to be malignant. Melanoma often presents with asymmetry, making this statement a misunderstanding of risk.

Choice E reason: Different colors in a mole, per the ABCDE criteria, are a warning sign for melanoma. Multiple colors (brown, black, red) indicate abnormal melanocyte activity, suggesting malignancy. This requires evaluation, as color variation reflects genetic mutations in skin cells, increasing the risk of aggressive cancer spread, making this statement correct for identifying potential melanoma.

Choice A reason: Stating the feeding order (cereal, then eggs) dismisses the client’s autonomy, reducing dignity. Offering choice empowers the client, respecting their preferences. This approach lacks patient-centered care, potentially making the client feel controlled, per dignity and psychosocial care principles.

Choice B reason: Assuming the client dislikes being fed is judgmental and undermines dignity, implying resistance. This statement dismisses the client’s feelings, reducing autonomy and respect. A dignified approach involves choice and collaboration, not confrontation, per patient-centered care and ethical nursing standards.

Choice C reason: Asking what part of the meal the client wants first promotes dignity by offering choice and autonomy. It respects the client’s preferences, fostering a sense of control and respect during a dependent task, aligning with patient-centered care and dignity principles in nursing.

Choice D reason: Expressing a wish for more time suggests inadequacy, potentially diminishing the client’s sense of value. This focuses on the nurse’s limitations, not the client’s dignity. Offering choices enhances respect, whereas this statement risks disempowerment, per psychosocial care and dignity standards.