A patient underwent an excisional biopsy 3 days ago. The patient calls the clinic and reports a
scant amount of bleeding and "a little discomfort." What is the best action by the nurse?
Inform the patient that slight bleeding and discomfort are expected after an excisional
biopsy
The nurse should inform the patient that there is a slight risk of persistent bleeding and
discomfort from an excisional biopsy. These are normal findings, and no action is required.
A patient has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. The health care provider orders
adjuvant therapy after surgery for this patient. Which medication does the nurse anticipate
administering to the patient? Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of malignant melanomas.
Which nursing interventions are most appropriate for a patient receiving psoralen therapy?
Provide skin moisturizers
Psoralen may cause sunburn; the nurse should provide skin moisturizers to soothe the patient's
skin.
Administer ondansetron as ordered
Psoralen may cause nausea and vomiting; ondansetron is an antiemetic used to prevent
nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Recommend the use of an emollient
Psoralen may cause persistent pruritus. The nurse should recommend the use of emollients to
help relieve itching.
A patient with skin cancer undergoing radiation therapy tells the nurse that she has become
self-conscious about changes in her skin. What recommendations can the nurse make to the
patient so that she can avoid further skin damage? "Wear a scarf on your head to protect
your scalp."
If the patient is experiencing alopecia (hair loss), wearing a scarf or hat can help to protect the
scalp from any further skin damage.