Question

While assessing a patient with an infection of the forearm, the nurse uses one hand to shake the patient's hand and keeps the other hand near the patient's elbow. Which is the reason for the nurse's action?

a. to check for enlarged epitrochlear nodes
b. to assess the patient's pulse
c. to measure the patient's temperature
d. to examine the patient's nail bed color

Answer 1

A nurse shakes the patient's hand and keeps the other hand near the elbow to check for enlarged epitrochlear nodes, which are part of the immune system and can indicate an infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse uses one hand to shake the patient's hand and keeps the other hand near the patient's elbow, they are most likely checking for enlarged epitrochlear nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes can indicate an infection or other medical conditions. The epitrochlear lymph nodes are located near the elbow and are part of the immune system, often becoming enlarged when the body is fighting off an infection. This assessment is a common practice in medical examinations related to lymphatic and immune systems.