NCLEX-RN® Question of the Day: Melanoma lesion

Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a client who had undergone a melanoma lesion removal. After the procedure, which intervention should the nurse anticipate performing? Can you figure it out?

The nurse in the dermatology clinic is caring for a client after the surgical removal of a melanoma lesion. Immediately following the procedure, which intervention should the nurse anticipate performing?A. Apply mupirocin 2% topically

B. Remove the surgical sutures 

C. Apply fluorouracil 5% topicallyD. Obtain a wound culture and sensitivity

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…

A. Apply mupirocin 2% topically

Rationale: Immediately following surgical removal of a melanoma, the nurse should administer a topical antibacterial, such as mupirocin, to prevent infection.

Major Takeaway

After a client’s melanoma has been surgically removed, the nurse should first assess the incision site for bleeding and drainage and administer antibiotics such as mupirocin and analgesics. 

Incorrect answer explanations

B. Remove the surgical sutures 

Rationale: Immediately following surgical removal of a melanoma, the nurse should not remove the surgical sutures. The sutures should remain in place to promote wound healing and will be removed later. 

C. Apply fluorouracil 5% topically

Rationale: Fluorouracil is a topical antineoplastic used to treat non-melanoma cancers for clients who cannot undergo surgery. 

D. Obtain a wound culture and sensitivity

Rationale: A culture and sensitivity are only obtained if there is suspicion of infection.

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