Head and Neck Lymph Node Assessment

Flashcards for Head and Neck Lymph Node Assessment review.

Lymphatic System Function

Drains excess fluid and plasma proteins from bodily tissues & returns them to the venous system.

Lymph Node Function

Traps and destroys microorganisms, foreign materials, dead blood cells, and abnormal cells.

Normocephalic

Normal round symmetrical skull appropriately sized to body; no lumps, depressions, abnormal swellings.

Key Areas to Inspect on the Head

Head Position, Size & Shape, Face Symmetry

Key Neck Areas to Inspect

Cervical vertebrae, Neck range of motion (ROM), Trachea/thyroid midline, Accessory Muscles

Age-Related Changes in the Neck

Neck pain, decreased range of motion, Cervical curvature increase, Decreased flexion, extension, lateral bending, rotation of the neck, Thyroid more nodular or irregular

Palpation Technique

Gentle circular motion of finger pads, Systematic approach.

Lymph Node Palpation Sites

Occipital, Postauricular, Preauricular, Submental, Submandibular, Jugulodigastric/tonsillar, Superficial Cervical Chain, Posterior Cervical Chain, Deep Cervical Chain, Supraclavicular

Normal Lymph Node Palpation Finding

No palpable head and neck lymph nodes (NAD)

Documentation of Palpated Nodes

Shape, Mobility, Tenderness, Location, Consistency