Clinical Examination - Head and Neck Lymph nodes

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly conduct a lymph node examination. The importance of patient consent, hand hygiene, and clear communication is emphasized due to the personal nature of the procedure. The video describes the positioning and examination techniques for various lymph nodes, including the supraclavicular, submental, submandibular, cervical, preauricular, postauricular, and occipital lymph nodes. Each set of nodes is located and palpated carefully, with attention to identifying any abnormalities or masses. The methodical approach ensures a thorough and professional examination.

Takeaways

• 🧼 Proper hand hygiene and introduction to the patient are essential before performing any examination.
• 👋 Consent is particularly important for a lymph node examination, as it involves placing hands behind the patient.
• 👂 Supraclavicular lymph nodes are located above the clavicle and must be examined by palpating deeply into the supraclavicular fossa.
• 👶 Submental lymph nodes are located under the chin and are examined with direct pressure using both hands.
• 👨‍⚕️ Submandibular lymph nodes run along the jawline and should be carefully examined bilaterally with both hands.
• 🧍 Cervical lymph nodes are arranged in a Z pattern along the side of the neck and are examined with the fingers tracing this Z shape.
• 👂 Pre-auricular lymph nodes are found just in front of the tragus of the ear and require examination in that area.
• 👂 Post-auricular lymph nodes are located behind the ear's pinna and need to be palpated carefully.
• 🧠 Occipital lymph nodes are found at the base of the skull, near the point where the trapezius muscle connects to the skull.
• 🔍 During the examination, the practitioner is feeling for any notable masses or abnormalities in the lymph nodes.

Q & A

Why is it important to obtain patient consent before examining lymph nodes?

Consent is particularly important because much of the lymph node examination is done from behind the patient. The patient must be aware of where the hands will be placed and what the procedure entails to ensure their comfort and trust.

Where are the supraclavicular lymph nodes located?

The supraclavicular lymph nodes are located above the clavicle in the supraclavicular fossa. They are examined by feeling deeply inside the fossa on both sides.

How are the submental lymph nodes examined?

The submental lymph nodes are examined by applying direct pressure underneath the chin using both hands, feeling for any abnormalities.

What distinguishes the submental lymph nodes from the submandibular lymph nodes?

The submental lymph nodes are located under the chin, while the submandibular lymph nodes run along the length of the jaw. Both sets of nodes are examined carefully using both hands, but they are distinct anatomical regions.

In what pattern are the cervical lymph nodes located, and how are they examined?

The cervical lymph nodes are located in a Z-shaped pattern on the side of the neck, deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscles and shallow to the scalene muscles. They are examined using the fingers in a Z-shaped motion.

Where are the preauricular lymph nodes found?

The preauricular lymph nodes are located just anterior to the tragus of the ear and are examined by palpating this area for any abnormalities.

Where are the postauricular lymph nodes located, and how are they examined?

The postauricular lymph nodes are located behind the pinna (the external part of the ear). These nodes are examined by palpating the area behind the ear.

Where are the occipital lymph nodes found, and how are they examined?

The occipital lymph nodes are located at the top of the nuchal line, where the trapezius muscle meets the skull. These nodes are examined by feeling the area where the back of the head meets the neck.

What features should be assessed when examining lymph nodes?

When examining lymph nodes, you should assess for size, shape, consistency, mobility, tenderness, and whether they are fixed or moveable.

Why is it necessary to use both hands when examining lymph nodes?

Using both hands allows for a more thorough and symmetrical examination, ensuring that the lymph nodes are assessed bilaterally and any differences or abnormalities are detected.