Final answer:
The nurse should ask the client if they are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, the duration of the lump's presence, and if it's causing discomfort to understand the potential causes and if immediate action is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is assessing a client with a lump on their neck, certain questions are critical to help understand the potential causes and implications of the lump. The nurse should ask:
- "Are you experiencing difficulty breathing?" This question assesses for airway obstruction or compression, which can be serious and require immediate attention.
- "How long has the lump been on your neck?" Knowing the duration of the lump's presence can help determine if it is an acute or chronic condition, which can assist in differential diagnosis.
- "Is the lump causing you discomfort?" Discomfort can indicate inflammation or irritation, which could be crucial in identifying infectious causes.
- "Are you having difficulty swallowing?" This could suggest involvement of the esophagus or structures in the neck, which might be associated with chronic indigestion or abnormalities in the throat area.
These questions cover essential aspects of the assessment, including symptoms of difficulty breathing and swallowing, which could indicate more severe conditions such as obstruction or infection. Understanding the discomfort and duration offers additional insights into the nature of the lump, guiding further diagnostic steps.