Question

palpation of a 15 - year - old clients submandibular lymph nodes reveals them to be enlarged and tender. what is the nurses most reasonable interpretation of this assessment finding?
there is an inflammatory response in the musculature of the clients neck.
there is an infection in the area that these nodes drain.
the tissue underlying the nodes is infected.
the client requires assessment of their thyroid gland.

Explanation:

Enlarged and tender lymph nodes often indicate an infection in the area they drain. Lymph nodes filter lymph and respond to pathogens.

Answer:

There is an infection in the area that these nodes drain.