When assessing the thyroid gland, the nurse should instruct the patient to:

 a) Swallow

 b) Cough

 c) Take deep breaths

 d) Stick out their tongue

 Answer: a) Swallow

 Rationale: Instructing the patient to swallow helps to assess the

movement and symmetry of the thyroid gland.

The nurse is assessing a patient's neck and notes the presence of a swollen,

tender lymph node. This finding is consistent with:

 a) Mumps

 b) Lymphoma

 c) Tonsillitis

 d) Infection

 Answer: d) Infection

 Rationale: Swollen, tender lymph nodes are often indicative of an

infection in the body.

The nurse is performing a carotid artery assessment. Which of the

following actions is appropriate?

 a) Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously

 b) Asking the patient to hold their breath during assessment

 c) Applying firm pressure to the carotid arteries to assess for a thrill

 d) Assessing for carotid bruits with the bell of the stethoscope

 Answer: a) Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously

 Rationale: Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously helps to

compare the strength and symmetry of the pulses.

When assessing for tracheal deviation, the nurse should:

 a) Place the patient in a supine position

 b) Palpate the trachea for tenderness

 c) Instruct the patient to take deep breaths

 d) Stand behind the patient and observe the tracheal position

 Answer: d) Stand behind the patient and observe the tracheal position

 Rationale: Standing behind the patient allows for a clear view of an