A client asks the nurse to look at a mole located on the back. The client tells the nurse that the mole has changed from brown to black and enlarged in size. Which is the priority nursing action?

Choice A rationale While monitoring moles is important, teaching a family member how to do so is a secondary action. The client's report of recent changes—color alteration from brown to black and enlargement—are classic "ABCDE" warning signs of melanoma. Immediate professional evaluation is paramount to rule out or confirm malignancy and initiate prompt treatment. Choice B rationale While sun exposure is a significant risk factor for skin cancer, asking about past sun exposure does not address the immediate concern of a rapidly changing mole. The priority is to assess the current lesion for malignancy, which requires a healthcare professional's expertise. Historical information is valuable but not the most urgent action. Choice C rationale The reported changes in the mole (change in color from brown to black and enlargement) are highly suspicious for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider (HCP), typically a dermatologist, is crucial for timely diagnosis and potential intervention. Delaying evaluation could significantly impact the prognosis if it is malignant. Choice D rationale Encouraging the client to self-monitor with a magnifying mirror delays professional assessment of potentially cancerous changes. Self-monitoring is useful for identifying new or changing lesions, but once concerning changes are noted, professional evaluation is required. A magnifying mirror cannot provide a definitive diagnosis or assess deeper tissue involvement. .