A patient in the dermatology clinic is scheduled for removal of a ...

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

A patient in the dermatology clinic is scheduled for removal of a 15-mm multicolored and irregular mole from the upper back. The nurse should prepare the patient for which type of biopsy?
 
  a. Shave biopsy
  b. Punch biopsy
  c. Incisional biopsy
  d. Excisional biopsy

Question 2

A dark-skinned patient has been admitted to the hospital with chronic heart failure. How would the nurse best assess this patient for cyanosis?
 
  a. Assess the skin color of the earlobes.
  b. Apply pressure to the palms of the hands.
  c. Check the lips and oral mucous membranes.
  d. Examine capillary refill time of the nail beds.

[Gabe]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
An incisional biopsy would remove the entire mole and the tissue borders. The appearance of the mole indicates that it may be malignant. A shave biopsy would not remove the entire mole. The mole is too large to be removed with punch biopsy. Excisional biopsies are done for smaller lesions and where a good cosmetic effect is desired, such as on the face.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Cyanosis in dark-skinned individuals is more easily seen in the mucous membranes. Earlobe color may change in light-skinned individuals, but this change in skin color is difficult to detect on darker skin. Application of pressure to the palms of the hands and nail bed assessment would check for adequate circulation but not for skin color.