Question

A nurse is performing a skin assessment for a client who expresses concern about skin cancer. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a potential indication of a skin malignancy?

a) Evenly colored moles
b) Irregular borders on a mole
c) Symmetrical shape of a mole

Answer 1

The nurse should identify irregular borders on a mole as a potential indication of a skin malignancy. Evenly colored moles and symmetrical shape of a mole are not indications of skin malignancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify irregular borders on a mole as a potential indication of a skin malignancy.

Doctors often use the ABCDE mnemonic to help diagnose early-stage melanoma:

1. Asymmetry - the two sides are not symmetrical
2. Borders - the edges are irregular in shape
3. Color - the color is varied shades of brown or black
4. Diameter - it is larger than 6 mm (0.24 in)
5. Evolving - its shape has changed

The nurse should explain to the client that evenly colored moles and symmetrical shape of a mole are not typically indications of skin malignancy.