An abnormal lymph node is most likely described as which of the following?

An abnormal lymph node is most likely described as which of the following?

• A. Firm, mobile, and tender or nontender.
• B. Soft and nonmobile and have an increased skin temperature.
• C. Soft, mobile, and tender or nontender.
• D. Firm and nontender and have an increased skin temperature.

Answer: (A)

When assessing lymph nodes, the key features are how firm the node is, whether it moves freely under the tissues (mobility), and whether it is tender. An abnormal node is typically firmer than normal. If it stays mobile, it isn’t fixed to surrounding structures, which can still occur with benign or reactive processes, and tenderness can vary with the underlying cause. So a node that is firm, may be mobile, and can be tender or non-tender fits the spectrum of abnormal presentations you’d expect to encounter. Descriptions emphasizing softness or nonmobility or a warm skin temperature point more toward other scenarios and are less consistent with the common abnormal pattern.

When assessing lymph nodes, the key features are how firm the node is, whether it moves freely under the tissues (mobility), and whether it is tender. An abnormal node is typically firmer than normal. If it stays mobile, it isn’t fixed to surrounding structures, which can still occur with benign or reactive processes, and tenderness can vary with the underlying cause. So a node that is firm, may be mobile, and can be tender or non-tender fits the spectrum of abnormal presentations you’d expect to encounter. Descriptions emphasizing softness or nonmobility or a warm skin temperature point more toward other scenarios and are less consistent with the common abnormal pattern.