Nursing Process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Essay

Nursing Process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, And Evaluation of Malignant Melanoma

The assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of malignant melanoma

In the United States, skin cancer is the most common type of malignancy, and out of five Americans, one often risks developing a certain type of skin cancer in the course of their lives. Due to its high tendency to spread from one organ to another and to various parts of the body, malignant melanoma is recognized as the most lethal and deadly type of skin cancer. It may develop roots in deeper layers of the skin, which are the ones that spread to various parts of the body. According to the American Nurses Association, ANA (2015), and the Modesto Junior College, MJC (2012), the ADPIE nursing process involves an assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the patients' condition. This process enables the nurses to apply patient focused care and to take a holistic approach when handling patients.

Assessment

The nurses should first gather all the relevant information that relates to the patient's skin condition. Buchan and Roberts (2008) state that a patient's skin type, income and education, level of exposure to the sun, social class, and family history determine a patients' risk of more severe malignant melanoma. Nurses have to ask patients questions regarding all these factors, which will make the diagnosis process easier and more effective. Nurses assess the level of pain the patient is in and they also monitor the patient's movement and behavior to determine the effect the skin condition has on their movement, comfort, and on their life in general. All this information is then organized, validated, and recorded for future reference.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis process will determine the success of the whole process (ANA, 2015; MJC, 2012). By looking at the moles, they will be able to determine the level of pain the patient is in and whether it is necessary to apply ointments when bathing or dressing the patients. In case the nurses recognize changes in the moles, they should inform the doctors, who then schedule for their removal, but only if necessary. After the surgery, the patient may need more assistance from the nurses in dressing the wounds. Other problems that may arise from the pain, such as poor nutrition, antisocial behavior, or anxiety are also identified and addressed.

Planning

The third step involves setting the patient's short-term and long-term…