While performing an assessment of the mouth, the nurse notices that the patient has a 1-cm ulceration that is crusted with an elevated border and located on the outer third of the lower lip. What other information would be most important for the nurse to assess?

A) Nutritional status
B) When the patient first noticed the lesion
C) Whether the patient has had a recent cold
D) Whether the patient has had any recent exposure to sick animals

Question

Anthony McDaniel · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  With carcinoma, the initial lesion is round and indurated, but then it becomes crusted and ulcerated with an elevated border. Most cancers occur between the outer and middle thirds of the lip. Any lesion that is still unhealed after 2 weeks should be referred. Therefore, the nurse should try to establish how long the lesion has been there and ask the patient when the patient first noticed the lesion.

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