A nurse performs a skin screening for a client who has numerous ...

[rmenurse]

A nurse performs a skin screening for a client who has numerous skin lesions. Which lesion does the nurse evaluate first?
 
  a. Beige freckles on the backs of both hands
  b. Irregular blue mole with white specks on the lower leg
  c. Large cluster of pustules in the right axilla
  d. Thick, reddened papules covered by white scales

Question 2

After teaching a client who has psoriasis, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching?
 
  a. At the next family reunion, I'm going to ask my relatives if they have psoriasis.
  b. I have to make sure I keep my lesions covered, so I do not spread this to others.
  c. I expect that these patches will get smaller when I lie out in the sun.
  d. I should continue to use the cortisone ointment as the patches shrink and dry out.

[mmj22343]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
This mole fits two of the criteria for being cancerous or precancerous: variation of color within one lesion, and an indistinct or irregular border. Melanoma is an invasive malignant disease with the potential for a fatal outcome. Freckles are a benign condition. Pustules could mean an infection, but it is more important to take care of the potentially cancerous lesion first. Psoriasis vulgaris manifests as thick reddened papules covered by white scales. This is a chronic disorder and is not the priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Psoriasis is not a contagious disorder. The client does not have to worry about spreading the condition to others. It is a condition that has hereditary links, the patches will decrease in size with ultraviolet light exposure, and cortisone ointment should be applied directly to lesions to suppress cell division.