A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the gland for the presence of a bruit. What technique should the nurse use to assess for a bruit?

Palpate the thyroid while the patient holds their breath

Palpate the thyroid while the patient is swallowing

Auscultate the thyroid with the bell of the stethoscope

Auscultate the thyroid with the diaphragm of the stethoscope

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Palpation of the thyroid helps assess its size, consistency, and tenderness but does not aid in detecting a bruit.
B.   Swallowing helps assess the mobility of the thyroid but does not aid in auscultating for a bruit.
C.   The bell of the stethoscope is used to detect low-pitched sounds, such as a bruit, which might be heard if there is increased blood flow through the thyroid gland, as seen in hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.
D.   The diaphragm is used to detect high-pitched sounds, such as lung or heart sounds. The bell is better for detecting a bruit.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Lymph nodes are usually described as enlarged or swollen, not "lumped." This term is not typically used in the description of lymphadenopathy.
B. In cases of acute infection, lymphadenopathy is most often unilateral and localized to the area of infection. For example, if there is a throat infection, the lymph nodes on the same side of the neck are more likely to be enlarged.
C. Lymph nodes that are soft and nontender are more indicative of chronic conditions such as lymphoma or metastasis. In acute infections, lymph nodes tend to be firm and tender.
D. Firm but freely movable nodes may be indicative of chronic conditions or noninfectious causes. Acute infection typically leads to tender, swollen lymph nodes that may feel rubbery or hard but are usually movable.

A. Cervical B. Epitrochlear C. Inguinal D. Axillary

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Cervical nodes drain the head and neck area, not typically the forearm or hand.
B. Epitrochlear nodes are found near the elbow and are responsible for draining the arm. The nurse would assess these nodes if the infection is in the arm or hand.
C. Inguinal nodes drain the lower extremities and groin area, not the upper extremities.
D. Axillary nodes drain the upper limbs, including the forearm and hand, and are likely to be swollen if there is an infection in the upper extremities.

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A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the gland for the presence of a bruit. What technique should the nurse use to assess for a bruit?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During an examination of a female patient, the nurse notes lymphadenopathy and suspects an acute infection. How do acutely infected lymph nodes typically appear?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client presents with an infection of the forearm and hand. The nurse should expect what lymph nodes to be swollen on assessment:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the gland for the presence of a bruit. What technique should the nurse use to assess for a bruit?