Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a client with no significant medical history. Which finding(s) is/are expected? Can you figure it out?
The nurse is performing an assessment of the lymphatic system on a client with no significant medical history. Which finding(s) is/are expected? Select all that apply.
A. The cervical lymph nodes are palpable and equal in size bilaterally
B. The left axillary lymph node is hard and non-movable
C. The bilateral inguinal lymph nodes are non-tender when palpated
D. The right supraclavicular lymph node appears as a large, swollen mass
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answers to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question are…
A. The cervical lymph nodes are palpable and equal in size bilaterally
Rationale: If lymph nodes are palpable, they should be equal bilaterally.
C. The bilateral inguinal lymph nodes are non-tender when palpated
Rationale: Lymph nodes should be non-tender to palpation. Pain or discomfort with palpation is not expected and could be a symptom of underlying pathology.
Major Takeaway
Under normal circumstances, lymph nodes are not visible. In healthy adult clients, lymph nodes can range from 0.5 to 1 centimeter and superficial lymph nodes may be felt upon palpation. If a lymph node is palpated, it should be soft, mobile, non-tender, and equal bilaterally. Keep in mind, the spleen is a part of the lymphatic system too. Normally, the spleen is not palpable, so if you do feel it, it could indicate splenomegaly, which refers to an enlarged spleen and can be associated with mononucleosis among other conditions.
Incorrect answer explanations
B. The left axillary lymph node is hard and non-movable
Rationale: If a lymph node is palpable, it should feel soft and mobile.
D. The right supraclavicular lymph node appears as a large, swollen mass
Rationale: Typically, lymph nodes are non-visible. If the lymph nodes appear as large, swollen masses, this indicates underlying pathology and is not an expected finding.
E. The spleen is palpable in the left upper quadrant
Rationale: Under normal circumstances, the spleen should not be palpable. If the spleen is palpable, it is most likely enlarged, which could indicate underlying pathology.
________________________
Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
Leave a Reply