Final answer:
The assessment finding that would be of most concern to the nurse is a 2-cm nontender supraclavicular node, as this may indicate underlying pathology such as cancer. Other assessment findings mentioned are within normal range or explainable due to infection or normal lymphatic function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment finding that would be of most concern to the nurse is a. A 2-cm nontender supraclavicular node. The supraclavicular nodes are located above the clavicle, and their enlargement can be a sign of underlying pathology, such as cancer. In particular, an enlarged supraclavicular node on the left side may indicate metastasis from a malignancy in the thorax or abdomen.
On the other hand, options b and c are within normal size and characteristics of lymph nodes. Mobile, nontender nodes in the axillary region are usually a normal finding. And an inability to palpate any superficial lymph nodes is not necessarily concerning as they may be small enough to not be palpable.
Option d, firm inguinal nodes in a patient with an infected foot, might be expected because inguinal nodes drain the lower extremities, including the feet. When an infection is present in the foot, the regional lymph nodes may become swollen and firm as they work to fight off the infection.