CEA Nursing Practice Exam

In assessing lymph nodes of a patient with possible lymphoma, which finding would be inconsistent?

1. Hard nodes

2. Fixed nodes

3. Stationary or not moveable with palpation

4. Non-tender, minimally palpable anterior cervical chain node palpation

The correct answer is: Non-tender, minimally palpable anterior cervical chain node palpation

When assessing lymph nodes in a patient with possible lymphoma, the characteristics of the lymph nodes can provide significant insight into the nature of the condition. The correct answer indicates an inconsistency with typical findings in lymphoma. In lymphoma, lymph nodes are often described as being hard, fixed, and non-tender. These characteristics suggest a pathological process rather than a benign condition. Hard nodes imply that the lymphocytes have proliferated and formed a denser structure, while fixed nodes indicate that they are adhered to surrounding tissues, both of which are common in malignancies. Non-tender nodes are also a hallmark of malignant processes, as tender lymphadenopathy usually suggests an inflammatory or infectious process. However, "non-tender, minimally palpable anterior cervical chain node palpation" may be considered inconsistent with the expectations for lymphoma. In a case of lymphoma, the nodes are typically not described as "minimally palpable" since affected lymph nodes often become larger or do not regress. Consequently, while slightly enlarged, even if non-tender, they usually present as more pronounced and often require careful examination to evaluate their characteristics. In this context, the description of the anterior cervical chain node is not typical for lymphoma when compared to hard, fixed, or non-m