American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ANCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of a patient who has undergone a successful autologous bone marrow transplant, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize patient safety and address any potential complications promptly. When a patient reports a changing skin lesion, consulting dermatology is the most appropriate course of action. This option ensures that the patient receives an expert evaluation from a specialist who can accurately assess the nature of the lesion, determine whether it is benign or potentially malignant, and recommend further management or treatment if necessary.

Given that patients who have had bone marrow transplants may have compromised immune systems and are at an elevated risk for skin cancers, it is particularly important to involve dermatology for competent evaluation. Dermatologists are trained to discern the nuances of skin conditions and can conduct the appropriate diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies if warranted.

The other choices, while they might seem practical, do not provide the specialized oversight required in this scenario. Inspecting and excising the lesion would put the responsibility of diagnosis and treatment on the nurse, which is not within the scope of practice for non-specialists unless severe circumstances warrant immediate action. Prescribing a topical steroid might mask symptoms without addressing the underlying issue, and recommending a reevaluation in two weeks delays necessary intervention and could allow a potentially serious condition to