ATI Hematologic System Related

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An adult patient has presented to the health clinic with a complaint of a firm, painless cervical lymph node. The patient denies any recent infectious diseases. What is the nurse's most appropriate response to the patient's complaint?

  • A. Call 911.
  • B. Promptly refer the patient for medical assessment.
  • C. Facilitate a radiograph of the patient's neck and have the results forwarded to the patient's primary care provider.
  • D. Encourage the patient to track the size of the lymph node and seek care in 1 week.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Promptly refer the patient for medical assessment. A firm, painless cervical lymph node in an adult without recent infectious diseases raises concern for potential serious underlying conditions such as malignancy. Referring the patient for medical assessment allows for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and timely intervention if needed. Calling 911 (choice A) is not necessary as the patient is not in immediate life-threatening danger. Facilitating a radiograph (choice C) may not provide sufficient information for a definitive diagnosis. Encouraging the patient to track the size and wait a week (choice D) can delay necessary medical evaluation and potentially worsen the condition if it is indeed concerning.