The nurse is educating adolescent high school students about when to seek medical attention regarding suspected cancerous skin lesions. Which of the following are included in the nurse's teaching? The lesion has:
An irregular border.
Asymmetrical shape.
Been increasing in size.
A diameter of less than 4 mm.
Ecchymosis.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A. An irregular border is a key characteristic of potentially cancerous skin lesions, particularly melanoma. Melanomas often have uneven, poorly defined edges.
B. Asymmetry is another sign of melanoma. If one half of a lesion does not match the other in shape or size, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
C. Any lesion that has been increasing in size, particularly over a short period, is a concern and should be checked. Rapid growth can be a sign of malignancy.
D. A lesion with a diameter of less than 4 mm is generally less concerning, as most cancerous lesions are larger. However, the other factors (such as asymmetry and border irregularity) are more significant for diagnosis.
E. Ecchymosis (bruising) is not typically associated with cancerous skin lesions. Skin cancers like melanoma present as new or changing moles, not bruising.
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Explanation
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C. Notifying the physician may be necessary if the drainage increases or changes significantly, but immediate action is to observe and assess the drainage trend.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stomatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy for oral cancer, and while it requires management, it is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Stridor indicates potential airway obstruction, which is a critical and urgent condition that requires immediate intervention, making it the greatest concern among the options presented.
C. Nausea is a typical side effect of cancer treatment but is usually manageable and not considered an immediate threat.
D. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is another common side effect of radiation to the head and neck, but it is not as urgent as the risk of airway compromise indicated by stridor.