NGG 200 prepU - Chapter 15 Assessing the Head and Neck

During the physical examination of a client, a nurse notes that a client's trachea has been pushed toward the right side. The nurse recognizes that the pathophysiologic cause for this finding is related to what disease process?

Atelectasis

The nurse is palpating a client's cervical vertebrae. Which vertebra can be easily palpated when the neck is flexed and should help the nurse locate the other vertebrae?

C7

An anatomy and physiology instructor is discussing the lymphatic system of the head and neck. Why would the instructor emphasize the importance of the drainage pattern of the lymph?

Enlargement of a node may be a sign of pathology that is distant from that node. Rationale: It is important to understand the drainage patterns of the lymphatics because enlargement of a node may be a sign of pathology that is not directly adjacent to that node.

What is the most common type of hyperthyroidism?

Grave's disease Rationale: Graves' disease, the most common type of hyperthyroidism, is autoimmune and may also be genetic. Cushing's syndrome, moon face, and thyroid cancer are not the most common types of hyperthyroidism.

What structure is found midline in the tracheal area just beneath the mandible?

Hyoid bone Rationale: Important landmarks for the head and neck region are in the tracheal area. The usually palpable U-shaped hyoid bone is located midline just beneath the mandible. The large thyroid cartilage consists of two flat, plate-like structures joined together at an angle and with a small, sometimes palpable notch at the superior edge. Usually more prominent in males, the thyroid cartilage is also called the "Adam's apple." The palpable cricoid cartilage is a ringed structure just inferior to the thyroid cartilage.

The nurse assesses a client's submental lymph nodes. In which area of the client's head should the nurse palpate these lymph nodes?

In the midline, a few centimeters behind the tip of the mandible Rationale: The submental lymph nodes are located near the midline, a few centimeters behind the tip of the mandible. Superficial cervical lymph nodes are located superficial to the sternomastoid. The preauricular lymph nodes are located in front of the ear. The tonsillar lymph nodes are located near the mandible.

A client presents to the emergency department with reports of neck pain and a sudden onset of a headache. Upon examination, the nurse finds that the client has an increased temperature and neck stiffness. The nurse recognizes these findings as most likely to be caused by what condition?

Meningeal inflammation Rationale: Meningeal inflammation is a likely cause of this condition, which manifests as sudden headache, neck pain with stiffness, and fever. Migraine headaches are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise or light, not by fever and neck stiffness. Trigeminal neuralgia is manifested by sharp, shooting, piercing facial pains that last from seconds to minutes. Parkinson's disease is not manifested by headache and neck pain.

A college student presents with a sore throat, fever, and fatigue for several days. Exudates are on her enlarged tonsils. A careful lymphatic examination reveals some scattered small mobile lymph nodes just behind her sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally. What group of nodes is this?

Posterior cervical

Palpation of a 15-year-old boy's submandibular lymph nodes reveals them to be enlarged and tender. What is the nurse's most reasonable interpretation of this assessment finding?

There is an infection in the area that these nodes drain. Rationale: Whenever a lymph node is enlarged or tender, the nurse should assess for infection in the area that the particular nodes drain. Thyroid or muscular involvement is less likely, and infection does not likely underlie the nodes directly.

Febrile

feverish

The nurses assesses the thyroid gland of a client with recent weight loss. On auscultation, a low, soft, rushing sound is heard over the lateral lobes. Which condition is most likely?

hyperthyroidism

The nurse is planning to assess a client's lymph nodes. Which set of nodes should the nurse assess first?

preauricular

Nasolabial folds

smile lines

The nurse notes unilateral facial drooping and reports the finding immediately to the healthcare provider. The client is diagnosed with Bell palsy. The nurse should include assessment of which affected cranial nerve in the client's head and neck assessment?

Cranial nerve VII Rationale: Facial asymmetry may indicate inflammation of cranial nerve VII with Bell palsy.

A client diagnosed with goiter has undergone a thyroidectomy. Which statement from the client indicates understanding of post-operative care teaching?

I must take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of my life. Rationale: After thyroidectomy, clients must be treated with exogenous thyroid hormone for the rest of their lives. Thyroid hormones are usually taken by mouth on a daily basis.

An older adult client is admitted to the hospital after a fall during which the client's head was injured. While performing the admission assessment, the nurse finds a large ecchymosis over the C7-T1 area. The client reports tenderness on palpation and movement. What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client?

Impaired comfort related to possible neck injury Rationale: Diagnosis of a cervical spine injury is challenging and, in many cases, goes undiagnosed, especially in those lacking adequate health insurance. Clients at risk include those following a fall or collision and those with osteoporosis, advanced arthritis, cancer, or degenerative bone disease. The scenario does not indicate that the client is on bed rest or that the client has a limited range of motion.

A client reports right-sided temporal headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. A nurse recognizes that which condition is likely to produce these symptoms?

Migraine headache Rationale: Migraine headaches are usually located around the eyes, temples, cheeks, and forehead. They are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Bell's palsy is a one sided facial paralysis caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. A tension headache usually presents with stress, anxiety, or tension and is located in the frontal, temporal, or occipital region. Temporal arteritis produces pain around the temple but no nausea or vomiting.