Final answer:
The nurse practitioner should likely opt to perform a biopsy during the visit for a thorough evaluation of the patient's non-healing lesions, as this would provide critical diagnostic information swiftly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical Decision for Dermatological Complaint
A 73 year old female patient with persistent dry, round, pink lesions on her upper back that are scaly and not healing requires further medical evaluation. Considering the characteristics of the lesions, their resistance to healing, and the age of the patient, the nurse practitioner's next step would likely be b. Biopsy area during that visit. Biopsies can provide definitive diagnoses, which is critical in the case of potentially serious skin conditions. While referring to a dermatologist is a common step, obtaining a biopsy during the initial visit can expedite care.
If the lesions were possibly related to sun exposure, advising sun protection measures would indeed be prudent; however, it would be secondary to confirming a diagnosis. Simple measures such as bandaid application and disinfectants or advising sunscreen use alone are inadequate responses without first identifying the underlying cause of the lesions.