A nurse is assessing a client who has myxedema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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.

Choice A Reason:
The nasolacrimal sac is part of the tear drainage system. When a patient presents with excessive tearing, known as epiphora, it is important to assess for any obstruction in the lacrimal apparatus. The nasolacrimal sac can become blocked due to various reasons such as infection, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. Assessing this area can help determine if there is a blockage causing the tears to accumulate and overflow.

Choice B Reason:
Inspecting the palpebral conjunctiva is typically done if there is a complaint of eye pain or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. While it is part of a comprehensive eye examination, it is not the first assessment to be performed for excessive tearing unless there are additional symptoms that suggest a problem with the conjunctiva.

Choice C Reason:
Testing the pupillary reaction to light is an assessment of the pupillary response and the function of the oculomotor nerve. This test is crucial when neurological issues are suspected or if there is a change in vision. However, it is not the primary assessment for excessive tearing without other associated symptoms.

Choice D Reason:
The eye positions test, which assesses eye muscle strength and cranial nerve function, is not necessary unless there are signs of problems with muscle strength, such as drooping. This test would not typically be the next step in assessing a patient with excessive tearing unless there are other indications of muscle or nerve impairment.