Which statement by the nurse shows a primary prevention strategy for skin cancer?

The statement about avoiding direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. exemplifies a primary prevention strategy for skin cancer. Primary prevention focuses on measures taken to prevent a disease from occurring in the first place. In this context, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is most intense helps reduce the risk of skin damage and the subsequent development of skin cancer.

By limiting exposure to harmful UV rays, individuals can significantly decrease their chances of developing skin cancer, making this an effective primary prevention approach. Other options provided, such as applying cool water for sunburn relief or using acetaminophen, are responses to an immediate problem (sunburn) rather than strategies to prevent the underlying issue of skin cancer. Regular skin examinations, while important, fall under secondary prevention as they involve screening for potential issues after exposure has already occurred.