Which statements are true about the lymph nodes of the head, face, & neck? Select all that apply.
They are always palpable
They produce saliva
They are tender with acute infection
They filter pathogens
They return fluid to circulation
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Cervicofacial lymph nodes are integral components of the lymphatic system responsible for immune surveillance, filtration of lymphatic fluid, and maintenance of interstitial fluid balance through drainage into venous circulation via the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct pathways.
Rationale:
A. Always palpable is incorrect because normal lymph nodes are typically non-palpable or barely palpable in healthy individuals. Palpability occurs only when nodes are enlarged due to infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Therefore, constant palpation is not a normal physiological finding.
B. Saliva production is a function of salivary glands such as parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, not lymph nodes. Lymph nodes do not have secretory exocrine functions. Their role is immunologic rather than digestive, making this statement anatomically incorrect.
C. Tenderness occurs in lymph nodes during acute infection due to inflammatory cytokine release, increased vascular permeability, and immune cell proliferation. This leads to capsular stretching and pain on palpation, commonly seen in bacterial or viral infections affecting head and neck regions.
D. Pathogen filtration is a primary lymph node function where lymphocytes and macrophages trap and destroy infectious organisms and abnormal cells. This immune surveillance mechanism prevents systemic spread of pathogens through lymphatic circulation, forming a key component of host defense.
E. Fluid return occurs as lymph nodes facilitate drainage of interstitial fluid back into venous circulation via lymphatic vessels. This maintains fluid balance, prevents edema, and ensures proper plasma volume regulation through continuous lymphatic transport system function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Hyperthyroidism is endocrine disorder characterized by excessive thyroid hormone secretion (T3, T4) from Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter or thyroiditis causing hypermetabolic state with weight loss, tachycardia, heat intolerance, diarrhea.
Rationale:
A. Diarrhea reflects increased gastrointestinal motility in thyrotoxicosis state often present. Excess thyroid hormones accelerate intestinal transit via sympathetic stimulation effects. Common in Graves disease and toxic nodular goiter patients seen. Leads to fluid loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance clinically observed.
B. Constipation indicates reduced gastrointestinal motility typical of hypothyroidism state presentation. Decreased thyroid hormones slow intestinal peristalsis causing stool retention clinically. Opposite of hyperthyroidism which increases bowel frequency and motility signs. Not consistent with thyrotoxicosis therefore incorrect diagnostic indicator finding present.
C. Bradycardia reflects slowed heart rate seen in hypothyroidism cases commonly. Hyperthyroidism typically causes tachycardia due to increased metabolic demand state. Excess thyroid hormones enhance beta adrenergic receptor sensitivity clinically observed. Therefore bradycardia contradicts expected sympathetic overactivity findings in hyperthyroidism state present here.
D. Unintentional weight loss results from increased basal metabolic rate state. Thyroid hormones increase lipolysis and protein catabolism significantly clinically evident. Seen in Graves disease and toxic nodular hyperthyroidism conditions present. Patients often exhibit weight loss despite increased appetite intake state.
E. Heat intolerance occurs due to hypermetabolic state and thermogenesis increase. Excess thyroid hormones increase oxygen consumption and heat production levels. Patients experience sweating, warm skin, and heat sensitivity frequently seen. Classic finding in hyperthyroidism distinguishing from hypothyroid cold intolerance state.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
COVID-19 triage prioritization relies on identification of respiratory compromise, hypoxemia, and increased work of breathing caused by viral pneumonia leading to impaired alveolar gas exchange, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring immediate escalation of care.
Rationale:
A. Stable oxygen saturation of 97% indicates adequate gas exchange with no hypoxemia present. Respiratory rate is within normal limits suggesting no increased work of breathing. Hemodynamic parameters are stable without evidence of shock or deterioration. This patient does not require immediate priority assessment.
B. Tachycardia at 108 beats per minute may indicate early physiological stress or mild dehydration. Oxygen saturation remains acceptable at 95% without significant hypoxemia. Respiratory rate is normal, suggesting no acute respiratory compromise. This patient is not the highest priority.
C. Tachypnea at 28 breaths per minute indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation of 92% reflects hypoxemia consistent with impaired alveolar oxygen exchange. This combination suggests potential acute respiratory deterioration requiring immediate assessment and intervention as highest priority.
D. Fever of 38 °C indicates infectious or inflammatory response consistent with viral illness. Oxygen saturation is 99%, showing adequate oxygenation at present. Respiratory rate and hemodynamics are stable without distress. This patient is clinically stable compared to others and not urgent.
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