On assessment, a nurse notes a flat brown circular nevi on the skin of a client that measures less than one centimeter. The client asks, 'Is this cancer?' The nurse makes which response to the client?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "These are likely to be benign moles." The rationale is as follows: 1. Size: The nevi is less than one centimeter, which is typically indicative of a benign lesion. 2. Color: The description of a flat brown circular nevi suggests a classic appearance of a benign mole. 3. Assessment: Based on the characteristics provided, the nurse can reasonably assume that the nevi are benign. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because B is too alarmist without proper assessment, C is an extreme statement without sufficient evidence, and D is incorrect as verrucae are wart-like growths, not moles.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: press firmly on the lesion. By pressing firmly on the lesion, the nurse can assess if the redness blanches, indicating that it is related to blood vessel dilation. Palpating pulses (choice A) would not provide information on blood vessel dilation. Checking skin temperature (choice B) may not directly indicate blood vessel dilation. Elevating the leg (choice C) may help with circulation but does not directly assess blood vessel dilation. Pressing on the lesion (choice D) is the best choice as it can help determine if the redness is due to blood vessel dilation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test for evaluating suspected skin malignancies like malignant melanoma. It involves removing a small piece of skin tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. This test provides definitive results to confirm or rule out skin malignancies. Choice A: Tzanck smear is used to diagnose herpes infections, not skin malignancies. Choice C: Patch testing is used to identify allergic contact dermatitis, not skin malignancies. Choice D: Skin scrapings are used to diagnose fungal infections, not skin malignancies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A reduction in the patient's CD4 count. Skin lesions in HIV patients are often indicative of immunosuppression due to a decrease in CD4 cells, which are crucial for the immune system. As HIV progresses, CD4 count decreases, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and skin manifestations. Option B is incorrect because skin lesions are not directly related to viral load. Option C is incorrect as antiretroviral therapy typically improves skin conditions. Option D is incorrect as skin lesions in HIV are not typically related to changes in allergy status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: remove the patient's clothes and flush the area with water. This is the priority intervention because it helps to stop the burning process by removing the source of the chemical and diluting it with water. Flushing the area with water helps to prevent further damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Removing the patient's clothes is important to prevent further exposure to the chemical. Choice B (apply saline compresses) is not the priority because simply applying compresses does not address the need to remove the source of the chemical and dilute it. Choice C (contact a poison control center) is not the priority as immediate action is needed to stop the burning process. Choice D (remove all jewelry) is important but not the priority compared to removing the patient's clothes and flushing the area with water.