When assessing a client diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which of the following findings will the nurse expect?

Choice A Reason: Colorectal cancer is not likely to cause nausea with projectile vomiting or high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant. Colorectal cancer may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss.

Choice B Reason: Paralytic ileus is a condition where the bowel stops working and does not contract or move food along. Paralytic ileus may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, absence of bowel sounds, constipation, or vomiting.

Choice C Reason: Large bowel obstruction is a blockage of the colon or rectum that prevents the passage of stool. Large bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, low-pitched sounds in the right lower quadrant, constipation, or ribbon-like stools.

Choice D Reason: Small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine that prevents the passage of food and fluids. Small bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as nausea with projectile vomiting, high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant, abdominal cramps, or dehydration.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a blister-like pustule on the face that oozes clear fluid may indicate impetigo, which is a bacterial skin infection, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal layer of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not blistered or pustular, but rather smooth, shiny, or waxy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a dark brown lesion that is flat may indicate a mole, which is a benign growth of melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not dark brown or flat, but rather flesh-colored, pink, or red, and may have a raised or indented center.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because a small scaly, dry lesion on the elbow may indicate basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are often small, scaly, and dry, and may bleed or crust over. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because location on the top of the head where exposed frequently to sunlight may indicate squamous cell carcinoma, which is another type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous layer of the epidermis, not basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions are usually rough, scaly, or crusted, and may have a firm or hard texture. They can also occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun.