What is a normal nursing action when a child has tender lymph nodes?

What is a normal nursing action when a child has tender lymph nodes?

• A. Assess for infection or inflammation in the area
• B. Administer antibiotics automatically
• C. Perform a full body imaging study
• D. Ignore unless swelling persists

Answer: (A)

Tender lymph nodes usually reflect the body’s response to an area of infection or inflammation, so the appropriate nursing action is to assess the area for a possible source and warning signs. This involves palpating the node to assess size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness; inspecting the skin over the node for redness or warmth; and asking about recent infections or inflammatory processes in nearby regions (ear, throat, mouth, skin, teeth), as well as fever or other systemic symptoms. Document what you find and monitor for changes over time. If the assessment points to a localized infection, communicate your findings to the clinician so treatment can be guided appropriately; antibiotics should not be given automatically without a clinician’s order. Routine full-body imaging isn’t indicated for a tender node without other red flags, and simply ignoring the finding isn’t appropriate—advise follow-up if swelling enlarges, becomes firm or fixed, or persists beyond a short period.

Tender lymph nodes usually reflect the body’s response to an area of infection or inflammation, so the appropriate nursing action is to assess the area for a possible source and warning signs. This involves palpating the node to assess size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness; inspecting the skin over the node for redness or warmth; and asking about recent infections or inflammatory processes in nearby regions (ear, throat, mouth, skin, teeth), as well as fever or other systemic symptoms. Document what you find and monitor for changes over time. If the assessment points to a localized infection, communicate your findings to the clinician so treatment can be guided appropriately; antibiotics should not be given automatically without a clinician’s order. Routine full-body imaging isn’t indicated for a tender node without other red flags, and simply ignoring the finding isn’t appropriate—advise follow-up if swelling enlarges, becomes firm or fixed, or persists beyond a short period.