A patient scheduled for Mohs surgery for basal cell skin cancer ...

[mpobi80]

A patient scheduled for Mohs surgery for basal cell skin cancer asks how long the procedure will take. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. The procedure occurs in steps, and time needed depends on your lesion.
  2. The time depends on how deep the lesion is.
  3. It is difficult to predict how long the procedure will take.
  4. This is a long, complicated procedure and may take all day.
  5. The procedure should be completed in an hour or less.

Question 2

A patient with a basal cell carcinoma of the nose will be having the lesion removed by curettage and electrodesiccation. The nurse knows that the lesion must meet what criteria for this type of procedure?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. The lesion must measure less than 2 cm in diameter.
  2. The lesion must be superficial.
  3. The lesion must measure at least 4 cm in diameter.
  4. The lesion must be in an area where the dermis is thin.
  5. The lesion must extend into the subcutaneous tissue.

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Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Mohs surgery involves shaving thin layers of the tumor off and frozen tissue analysis at each stage. The procedure proceeds in stages until the tumor is entirely removed. Depending on the depth of the lesion, it may take a short time or a long time. It is difficult to predict in advance.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2
Curettage and electrodesiccation are used to treat basal cell carcinomas that are less than 2 cm in diameter, are superficial, or reoccur because of poor margin control. Curettage and electrodesiccation are not used for lesions that are larger, where the dermis is thin, or where the tumor extends into the subcutaneous tissue.

[mpobi80]

Thank you

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