During a screening clinic, the nurse performs a health assessment on several adult clients. Which finding by the nurse is most important to report to the primary health care provider?

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11ecbb05_c970_402a_b433_e3da8b2d4523_MD0009_00 Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by the presence of symmetric, hyperpigmented velvety plaques located in flexural and intertriginous regions of skin (axilla, neck). Skin tags (acrochordons) are commonly present on regions affected by acanthosis nigricans. Both indicate insulin resistance (diabetic dermopathy). The client should be referred to the primary health care provider for evaluation of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and/or metabolic syndrome. (Option A) A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m² indicates a normal weight. (Option C) A fasting total cholesterol <200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) is normal. (Option D) Although any change or growth of a mole should be reported, a pale or brown round mole <5 mm is typically a normal finding. Educational objective: Acanthosis nigricans is a velvety light brownish to black skin thickening seen in the axillae, neck, or flexures and is indicative of insulin resistance (diabetic dermopathy). Skin tags (acrochordons) are commonly present on regions affected by acanthosis nigricans.

During a Screening Clinic, the Nurse Performs a Health Assessment