210 Skin Cancer Questions

A R.N. is assessing a patient with suspected Melanoma. The patient reports difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increasing cough with no significant medical or surgical history despite the Melanoma. The nurse is concerned because this may indicate: A) metastasis of the Melanoma B) The development of a benign tumor C) The development of a new respiratory disease D) Infection of the lungs by bacteria

A Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increasing cough in a patient with Melanoma indicates metastasis of the Melanoma.

The Registered Nurse has completed teaching for a client regarding a new diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. Which statement(s) by the client indicates an understanding of the teachings? (Select all that apply). A) Appears as a slight transparent bump B) May be removed through surgery C) Most lethal skin cancer D) Affects cells that replace old skin cells with new ones E) Occurs in the dermis layer of the skin

A, B, D Basal cell carcinoma can appear as slight transparent bumps that may be removed through surgery. The purpose of basal cells is to replace old skin cells which are found in the epidermis layer of the skin, not the dermis layer. Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, not basal cell carcinoma.

Identify the patients below who are at a HIGH risk for developing skin cancer. Select all that apply: A. A 22-year-old female who reports using a tanning bed three times per week. B. A 55-year-old male with dark skin that reports always wearing sunscreen while outdoors. C. A 35-year-old female with light-colored skin and eyes that reports frequent sunburns as a child. D. A 29-year-old who reports a family history of melanoma.

A,C,D Risk factors for skin cancer include too much exposure to the sun, usage of tanning beds, family history, light-colored skin and eyes, and frequent sunburns as a child.

The female client admitted for an unrelated dx asks the nurse to check her back because "it itches all the time in that one spot". When the nurse assesses the client's back, the nurse notes an irregular-shaped lesion with some scabbed over areas surrounding the lesion. Which action should the nurse implement first? A. Notify the HCP to check the lesion on rounds B. Measure the lesion and note the color C. Apply lotion to the lesion D. Instruct the client to make sure the HCP checks the lesion

B This is part of assessing the lesion and should be completed before notifying the HCP.

A middle aged patient has had 2 lesions diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma removed. Which discharge instruction should the nurse include to the patient? A) Teach the patient that there is no more risk for cancer B) Refer the patient to a prosthesis specialist C) Instruct the client to apply sunscreen to the area D) Demonstrate proper care of the surgical site to the patient

D The appropriate intervention would be for the surgical site to be cared for properly. The risk for future recurrence is not completely eliminated by surgical removal. The need for a prosthesis specialist is not needed after this particular procedure. Applying sunscreen would be recommended as preventative care pre and post surgery, but be secondary to caring for the surgical site.

You're assessing a patient's understanding about how to prevent skin cancer. Select all the statements that demonstrate the patient understood the education provided to them: A. "I will try to avoid direct sun exposure at 1 am-5am when the sun rays are the strongest." B. "I will use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher." C. "I will limit my tanning bed usage to two times per week." D. "It is very important I wear a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeves to avoid too much sun exposure."

B, D You should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. You should also wear clothing to prevent excessive exposure to UV rays.

You're providing an in-service on skin cancer prevention to a local group seniors. One topic you discuss is the identification of melanoma. Select all the characteristics of this type of skin cancer you will educate the participants about: A. Diameter of 10 mm or higher B. Red, purple, and black color C. Dissimilar borders D. Uniform appearance E. Increase in size, shape, color

B,C,E When educating about how to identify melanoma using the ABCDE acronym. A: asymmetrical, B: borders uneven (dissimilar), C: color dark or multiple colors, D: diameter greater than 6 mm (NOT 10 mm). E: evolution (lesion increases in size, shape, color).

The R.N. has just taught a patient at risk of Melanoma how to do a self skin examination. The nurse knows that teaching has been successful when the patient states: A) I must do a self skin examination every 2 months B) I must follow the ABCP rules for identifying if a sunburn is serious C) I should ask someone to help me examine my back and the areas I can't see clearly D) I should use a handheld mirror to examine my skin because it is the best option

C A full body mirror is the best option to use. Self skin exam should happen monthly. The rules of ABCDE of moles should be used to identify malignant moles.

The Registered Nurse is performing a skin assessment on a client with a facial lesion. It appears as a slightly transparent bump on the nose. This type of skin lesion refers to? A. Melanoma Squamous cell carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma A chronic sunburn

C Basal cell carcinoma have been characterized as slight transparent bumps on the neck and face. Squamous cell carcinoma has been characterized as a firm red nodule, flat sore with scaly crust, scaly patch. Melanoma has been characterized as dark, red, or blue colored, or a mix of any of these, and irregular in shape.

A R.N. is teaching a patient about the ABCDE's of moles. The nurse knows teaching has been ineffective when the patient states: A) I can use the ABCDE's of moles to determine if a mole is malignant B) The A stands for asymmetry and if a mole is asymmetric, then that is a bad sign C) If a mole is about an inch wide and has shades of red and white, then that's okay D) If I notice my mole changing size and shape, then that may be of concern

C If a mole is a shade of red and white, then it may be malignant