Question

a nurse is collecting data from a client who has an arm lesion. which of the following characteristics is a clinical manifestation of a malignant melanoma?
rough, dry, and scaly
firm nodule with crust
pearly papule with an ulcerated center
irregularly shaped with blue tones

Explanation:

To determine the clinical manifestation of malignant melanoma, we analyze each option:

• "Rough, dry, and scaly" is typical of actinic keratosis (a precancerous skin lesion), not melanoma.
• "Firm nodule with crust" is more characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma or other skin lesions, not melanoma.
• "Pearly papule with an ulcerated center" is a sign of basal cell carcinoma, not melanoma.
• "Irregularly shaped with blue tones" aligns with the ABCDE (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, Evolution) criteria for melanoma, where irregular shape and color variations (including blue tones) are key features.

Answer:

D. Irregularly shaped with blue tones