A patient asks the nurse about possible options regarding ...

[jessicacav]

A patient asks the nurse about possible options regarding treatment for a malignant melanoma lesion on her arm. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
 
  1. The preferred method of treatment is to remove all the cancer surgically.
  2. An anti-cancer cream will be used to dissolve the lesion.
  3. You will receive radiation to the skin lesion as a first method of treatment.
  4. You will receive intravenous chemotherapy as a first method of treatment

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a patient who is at risk for pressure ulcer development. Which action should be included in this patient's plan of care?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. Use pillows to offload pressure.
  2. Turn at least every 2 hours.
  3. Use a mild cleansing agent on the skin.
  4. Keep on bed rest.
  5. Pull up in bed every 2 hours or less.

[recede]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Surgical excision is the preferred treatment for malignant melanoma. A topical cream would not be used for a melanoma. Radiation is most often used for lesions that are inoperable because of location, which is not the case here. Intravenous chemotherapy would not be used for a localized skin lesion.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Pillows provide a cushion for bony prominences, which decreases pressure. Turning every two hours takes prolonged pressure off a single area. Mild cleansing agents are less likely to remove the skin's natural barrier. Keeping a patient on bed rest would be inappropriate because activity and mobility prevent prolonged pressure in one area. Pulling patients up in bed increases friction and shear, but does not prevent pressure.

[jessicacav]

TYSM

[epscape]

Excellent