Practice Question
During an examination, the nurse knows that the best way to palpate the lymph nodes in the neck is described by which statement?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Using gentle pressure in a rotating pattern, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides
Rationale:
💠 This technique uses gentle pressure with the finger pads in a small circular (rotary) motion, which is the recommended method for assessing cervical lymph nodes.
💠 Palpating with both hands simultaneously allows the nurse to compare the size, shape, mobility, and consistency of nodes on both sides of the neck.
💠 Bilateral comparison is essential to detect subtle asymmetry, such as enlargement or firmness on one side that may indicate infection or malignancy.
💠 Using gentle rather than firm pressure reduces client discomfort and improves the nurse’s ability to feel small, superficial nodes.
💠 This method reflects best practice in head and neck assessment and supports accurate, systematic evaluation of lymphatic findings.
Gently pinch each node between one's thumb and forefinger, and then move down the neck muscle.
💠 Pinching each node between the thumb and forefinger can be uncomfortable and is not the recommended technique for routine cervical lymph node assessment.
💠 This approach focuses on isolated, focal pressure instead of broad, gentle palpation, which may cause tenderness and make the client tense.
💠 When tissues are compressed too tightly, small nodes may be pushed away or missed, reducing the sensitivity of the exam.
💠 The method also does not emphasize simultaneous bilateral comparison, which is key to identifying asymmetry and abnormal changes.
💠 Because it risks discomfort and does not follow standard bilateral, rotary palpation, it is not the best technique.
Gently palpate by applying pressure in a rotating pattern, one lymph node at a time.
💠 While gentle, rotating palpation is appropriate, this description lacks the essential feature of using both hands to compare sides simultaneously.
💠 Evaluating one node at a time on one side only may miss important right–left differences in node size, consistency, or tenderness.
💠 Bilateral comparison helps detect unilateral enlargement, which may be an early sign of localized infection or malignancy.
💠 This approach is therefore incomplete because it does not use the full bilateral assessment strategy recommended for cervical lymph nodes.
💠 Although partially correct, it is not the best description of the optimal technique for lymph node palpation in the neck.
Using strong pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides.
💠 Using strong pressure on cervical lymph nodes can cause unnecessary pain, especially if nodes are already tender or inflamed.
💠 Excessive pressure may compress and displace nodes, making it more difficult to assess their true size and mobility.
💠 Lymph node assessment is intended to be gentle, with light to moderate pressure that is enough to feel structures without causing discomfort.
💠 While bilateral comparison is correct, the use of strong pressure directly contradicts recommended gentle palpation technique.
💠 Because it increases the risk of client discomfort and inaccurate findings, this method is not appropriate.
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This question is from NR302 QUIZ 5B RODGERS 15428 ATL SEPT25 -CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY (EXAMPLIFY) which contains 11 questions.
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From Exam
NR302 QUIZ 5B RODGERS 15428 ATL SEPT25 -CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY (EXAMPLIFY)
11 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 4