The nurse palpates swollen nodes in a patient's neck who ...

[laurencescou]

The nurse palpates swollen nodes in a patient's neck who presented to the clinic with complaints of fatigue lasting at least 2 weeks. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Advise patient this finding is normal.
  b. Review patient's thyroid labwork.
  c. Perform deep tendon reflexes.
  d. Notify the healthcare provider.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing for fatigue in a patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which self -reporting tool is best for the nurse to utilize?
 
  a. Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF)
  b. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
  c. Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)
  d. Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)

[cat123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation. Palpation is indicated to assess for the presence of lymphadenopathy, thyroid nodules or goiter. These findings could implicate the need to test further for cancer, thyroid disease or infection. These conditions should be ruled out by the healthcare provider. Thyroid nodules or changes in size indicate the need for further assessment of the thyroid. Deep tendon reflexes are part of a neuro-muscular examination and are not directly related to cervical node enlargement.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The FSS was developed for patients with multiple sclerosis and lupus. The MAF was designed for arthritis patients and is also used in cancer patients and those with chronic pulmonary disease. The BFI is used for cancer patients. The MFI is used with various patient populations, including cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and COPD.

[laurencescou]

Gracias!

[coreycathey]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it