Palpation of the supraclavicular lymph nodes is most effectively performed

Question

a. using a light rotary motion of the finger pads of all five fingers.
b. using a firm rotary motion of the palmar surfaces of the fingers.
c. by probing with the index and middle fingers of both hands, using a back-and-forth motion.
d. by rolling the tissue against the clavicles.

Answer 1

B
The most effective method to palpate the supraclavicular lymph nodes is to encourage the patient to relax the muscles of the head and neck because this pulls the clavicles down and allows a thorough exploration of the supraclavicular area. The patient should flex her head to relax the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Stand in front of the patient and place the finger pads over the patient's clavicles, lateral to the tendinous portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Using a firm rotary motion of the palmar surfaces of the fingers, probe deeply into the scalene triangles in order to palpate the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Using the finger pads of all five fingers is the best method for palpation of the axillary lymph node region.