The nurse is caring for a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). To evaluate for early signs of Kaposi's sarcoma, the nurse assesses the patient for lesions that are
Explanation
• Cutaneous lesions associated with Kaposi's sarcoma may be cosmetically disfiguring and are usually papular (but may be macular or nodular), nonpruritic, painless, and deep red or violet.
• Early in the disease they typically appear on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Kaposi's sarcoma is an opportunistic infection caused by human herpesvirus 8, an oncovirus. It must be diagnosed with skin biopsy. It causes tumor cells that may progress to affect internal organs.