NSG 6020 week 6 Questions with Verified
Correct Answers
lymph node assessment (normal)
lymph nodes are typically not palpable or may be very small.
if palpable they're small, mobile (moveable), non tender. usually <1 cm in size.
no noticeable swelling or enlargement.
skin over the area is normal in color no redness or discoloration.
lymph node assessment (abnormal)
- enlarge lymph nodes: "swollen glands" described as knots, lumps or kernels.
if it is >1cm it is abnormal. ( inguinal nodes may be slightly bigger)
if the nodes are:
-hard: may indicate malignancy
-firm/ rubbery: associated with lymphoma
-fixed (non- moveable) or matted- concerning for malignancy or chronic infections ex-- TB.
- tender or painful: typically suggest infection or inflammation.
- non-tender: ore concerning for malignancy
- fluctuant: may indicate access formation.
changes over time: increase ion size or number. if persistence > 4-6 weeks then that is
,concerning.
associated with infection (local or systemic), autoimmune conditions, malignancy or pain or
systemic symptoms.
high risk lymph nodes locations
Supraclavicular nodes (especially left Virchow's node) this is strongly associated with
malignancy ( GI, lung< abdominal cancers)
posterior cervical nodes is often seen in viral infections like EBV/ mononucleosis.
axillary nodes may indicate breast patho, infection or malignancy.
epitrochlear nodes (>0.5 cm is abnormal) associated with systemic infections like hip or
lymphoma.
Time Course Considerations
Acute (<2 weeks) → usually infectious
Subacute (2–6 weeks) → infection vs. early malignancy
Chronic (>6 weeks) → malignancy until proven otherwise
Associated “B Symptoms” (Concerning for Malignancy)
Fever
Night sweats
Unintentional weight loss
assessment consideration for lymph nodes-- lymph nodes should always be assessed for
and key questions to ask:
,locations
size
consistency (soft, firm, hard, rubbery)
mobility (moveable bs fixed)
tenderness
duration
associated symptoms.
questions to ask:
“Do you have any swollen glands?”
Where are they located?
How long have they been present?
Have they changed recently?
Are they soft or hard?
Do they move or are they fixed?
Are they painful or associated with infection?
Further evaluation is warranted if:
Node is >2 cm
Hard, fixed, or non-tender
Located in supraclavicular region
Persists >4–6 weeks
, Associated with B symptoms
Possible Workup:
CBC
Imaging (ultrasound or CT)
Biopsy (definitive diagnosis)
names and location of lymph nodes in the face
Preauricular nodes → in front of the ear
Drain: eyes, conjunctiva, temporal region
Postauricular (mastoid) nodes → behind the ear
Drain: scalp, external ear
Occipital nodes → base of the skull
Drain: posterior scalp
Tonsillar (jugulodigastric) → angle of the jaw
Drain: tonsils, oropharynx (commonly enlarged with throat infections)
Submandibular nodes → under the mandible
Drain: mouth, lips, anterior tongue
Submental nodes → under the chin
Drain: lower lip, floor of mouth, tip of tongue
names and location of lymph nodes in the neck
Anterior cervical chain → along front of sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
Correct Answers
lymph node assessment (normal)
lymph nodes are typically not palpable or may be very small.
if palpable they're small, mobile (moveable), non tender. usually <1 cm in size.
no noticeable swelling or enlargement.
skin over the area is normal in color no redness or discoloration.
lymph node assessment (abnormal)
- enlarge lymph nodes: "swollen glands" described as knots, lumps or kernels.
if it is >1cm it is abnormal. ( inguinal nodes may be slightly bigger)
if the nodes are:
-hard: may indicate malignancy
-firm/ rubbery: associated with lymphoma
-fixed (non- moveable) or matted- concerning for malignancy or chronic infections ex-- TB.
- tender or painful: typically suggest infection or inflammation.
- non-tender: ore concerning for malignancy
- fluctuant: may indicate access formation.
changes over time: increase ion size or number. if persistence > 4-6 weeks then that is
,concerning.
associated with infection (local or systemic), autoimmune conditions, malignancy or pain or
systemic symptoms.
high risk lymph nodes locations
Supraclavicular nodes (especially left Virchow's node) this is strongly associated with
malignancy ( GI, lung< abdominal cancers)
posterior cervical nodes is often seen in viral infections like EBV/ mononucleosis.
axillary nodes may indicate breast patho, infection or malignancy.
epitrochlear nodes (>0.5 cm is abnormal) associated with systemic infections like hip or
lymphoma.
Time Course Considerations
Acute (<2 weeks) → usually infectious
Subacute (2–6 weeks) → infection vs. early malignancy
Chronic (>6 weeks) → malignancy until proven otherwise
Associated “B Symptoms” (Concerning for Malignancy)
Fever
Night sweats
Unintentional weight loss
assessment consideration for lymph nodes-- lymph nodes should always be assessed for
and key questions to ask:
,locations
size
consistency (soft, firm, hard, rubbery)
mobility (moveable bs fixed)
tenderness
duration
associated symptoms.
questions to ask:
“Do you have any swollen glands?”
Where are they located?
How long have they been present?
Have they changed recently?
Are they soft or hard?
Do they move or are they fixed?
Are they painful or associated with infection?
Further evaluation is warranted if:
Node is >2 cm
Hard, fixed, or non-tender
Located in supraclavicular region
Persists >4–6 weeks
, Associated with B symptoms
Possible Workup:
CBC
Imaging (ultrasound or CT)
Biopsy (definitive diagnosis)
names and location of lymph nodes in the face
Preauricular nodes → in front of the ear
Drain: eyes, conjunctiva, temporal region
Postauricular (mastoid) nodes → behind the ear
Drain: scalp, external ear
Occipital nodes → base of the skull
Drain: posterior scalp
Tonsillar (jugulodigastric) → angle of the jaw
Drain: tonsils, oropharynx (commonly enlarged with throat infections)
Submandibular nodes → under the mandible
Drain: mouth, lips, anterior tongue
Submental nodes → under the chin
Drain: lower lip, floor of mouth, tip of tongue
names and location of lymph nodes in the neck
Anterior cervical chain → along front of sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
