The nurse assesses a client's submental lymph nodes. In which area of the client's head should the nurse palpate these lymph nodes?
In front of the ear.
In the midline, a few centimeters behind the tip of the mandible.
Superficial to the sternomastoid.
At the angle of the mandible.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Palpating in front of the ear would assess the preauricular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The preauricular nodes are located just in front of the ears and are typically examined when there is an infection or inflammation in the eyes, ears, or scalp.
Choice B reason:
The submental lymph nodes are located in the midline, just under the chin, behind the bony prominence of the mandible. This is the correct area for palpation when assessing the submental lymph nodes. These nodes drain the lower lip, the floor of the mouth, the tip of the tongue, and the incisors, and they can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in these areas.
Choice C reason:
Palpating superficial to the sternomastoid would assess the cervical lymph nodes, specifically the anterior cervical nodes, which are not the submental lymph nodes. The sternomastoid muscle is a landmark for several lymph node groups in the neck, but not for the submental group.
Choice D reason:
Palpating at the angle of the mandible would assess the submandibular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The submandibular nodes are located beneath the jawline and can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in the mouth, throat, and salivary glands.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A BMI of 27 falls into the 'Overweight' category according to the standard BMI classification. The 'Overweight' range is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9. This indicates that the person's weight is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height.
Choice b reason:
'Obesity Class I' is characterized by a BMI of 30 to 34.9. Since the client's BMI is 27, it does not reach the threshold for this category.
Choice c reason:
The 'Normal weight' category ranges from a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. With a BMI of 27, the client exceeds the upper limit of the normal weight range.
Choice d reason:
The term 'Obesity' generally refers to a BMI of 30 or higher, which encompasses Obesity Class I, II, and III. Since the client's BMI is 27, it is below the obesity range.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Resonance is the expected percussion note when percussing over normal, healthy lung tissue. This sound is produced due to the presence of air in the lung parenchyma, which allows for the transmission of sound waves through the air-filled spaces. In a healthy individual, the resonance indicates that the lungs are free from any significant abnormalities that could alter the sound, such as fluid or solid masses.
Choice b reason:
Tympanic notes are typically heard over hollow, air-containing structures like the stomach. This sound is not expected in lung percussion unless there is a large, air-filled cavity within the lung tissue, which would be abnormal and indicative of a pathological condition such as a pneumothorax.
Choice c reason:
A flat percussion note is usually heard over dense tissues where air is not present, such as over the thigh muscles or areas of the chest where lung tissue has been replaced by something more solid, like in the case of a pleural effusion or a lung mass.
Choice d reason:
Dullness on percussion usually indicates that the lung is not air-filled and may be suggestive of underlying conditions such as pneumonia, tumor, or atelectasis. It is a higher-pitched sound compared to flatness and is typically found in areas of the lung that are filled with fluid or solid tissue rather than air.
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