The ABCDE melanoma skin cancer assessment rule is very helpful in identifying suspicious moles that could be cancerous. It is recommended that patients should assess their skin monthly, and as a nurse, you should also be looking for unusual moles or skin lesions during assessments.

Here's what the ABCDE melanoma rule means:

-A stands for asymmetrical. If you were to draw an imaginary line down the center of the mole, would each side look the same? If so, the mole is symmetrical. If each side of the mole looks different, it is asymmetrical. Asymmetrical moles could be cancerous.

-B stands for borders that are uneven. Normal moles have tend to have clearly defined, even borders. However, moles that have an irregular or jagged edge could indicate cancerous or abnormal growth and should be investigated further by a health professional.

-C stands for color. Normal moles tend to have a uniform color such as brown. However, melanoma tends to have different shades of colors or a very black appearance.

-D stands for diameter. Normal moles tend to be less than 6mm in size, which is about 1/4 of an inch or the size of a pencil's eraser. Moles greater than 6mm should be inspected by a health professional.

-E stands for evolution. Has the mole maintained a consistent size, color, and appearance over time, or has the mole changed in shape, size, color, and so forth? Moles that continue to grow or change should be assessed by a health professional.

Quiz: https://www.registerednursern.com/skin-cancer-nclex-questions/

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