NCLEX Question of The Day Related

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While assessing a patient who has undergone a recent CABG, the nurse notices a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color. What should the nurse do next?

  • A. Recommend a dermatological consult to the physician.
  • B. Note the location of the mole and contact the physician via telephone.
  • C. Note the location of the mole and follow-up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call.
  • D. Remove the mole with a sharp debridement technique, following approval from the charge nurse.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should note the location of the mole and follow up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call. This action is appropriate because a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color raises concern for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Recommending a dermatological consult (Choice A) might delay the evaluation and management of the mole. Contacting the physician via telephone (Choice B) may not provide a documented record of the observation. Removing the mole without proper evaluation (Choice D) could be dangerous and is not within the nurse's scope of practice.