Question

Which muscle needs to be made prominent on a client to achieve effective palpation of the area where the superior deep cervical lymph nodes are located?

Answer 1

For effective palpation of the superior deep cervical lymph nodes, the sternocleidomastoid muscle must be made prominent by having the client turn their head to the opposite side of the nodes being examined.

Step-by-step explanation:

The muscle that needs to be made prominent for effective palpation of the area where the superior deep cervical lymph nodes are located is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This major muscle plays a crucial role in laterally flexing and rotating the head. When a client's neck is laterally flexed, the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the opposite side becomes more prominent, facilitating the palpation of the superior deep cervical lymph nodes in the neck area.

For a healthcare professional to palpate these lymph nodes effectively, the client should be asked to turn their head to the opposite side of the lymph nodes being examined. This action will make the sternocleidomastoid muscle stand out, offering a landmark for locating the lymph nodes that lie deep to this muscle.