Of the 33 vertebrae in the spinal column, which is correct?

Choice A reason: Large, fixed lymph nodes suggest pathology, such as malignancy or chronic infection, as they indicate adherence to surrounding tissues. In healthy adults, lymph nodes are typically small and not fixed, making this an abnormal and incorrect characteristic.

Choice B reason: Large, non-mobile lymph nodes may indicate infection or malignancy, as healthy nodes are usually small and mobile. Non-mobility suggests tissue infiltration, which is pathological, making this an incorrect description of normal lymph node characteristics.

Choice C reason: Granular texture is not a standard term for describing lymph nodes. Healthy nodes, when palpable, feel smooth and soft. Granular suggests abnormality, possibly infection or malignancy, making this an inaccurate characteristic for healthy lymph nodes.

Choice D reason: In healthy adults, lymph nodes are typically not palpable, as they are small, soft, and non-tender, blending into surrounding tissues. Palpable nodes often indicate inflammation or pathology, making this the correct description of a normal finding.

Choice A reason: Diet and weight provide partial insight into health but are incomplete. Diet is subjective and hard to quantify, and weight alone does not account for growth patterns or proportionality, making it less comprehensive than height and weight.

Choice B reason: Temperature and pulse reflect acute physiological status, not overall health. These vital signs can be normal despite chronic conditions or growth issues, making them inadequate as a primary index for a child’s general health status.

Choice C reason: Height and strength are not typically paired as a standard health index. Strength is subjective and difficult to measure consistently in children, while height alone misses weight-related nutritional status, making this less effective.

Choice D reason: Height and weight are key indicators of a child’s general health, reflecting growth, nutritional status, and development. These measurements, plotted on growth charts, allow comparison to age-specific norms, making them the best index for assessing overall health.