A nurse is assessing a client's lymph nodes, which assessment technique is correct?

A. Deep palpation using circular motion is inappropriate for lymph node assessment because lymph nodes are superficial structures. Deep palpation may miss small nodes or cause discomfort and is generally reserved for assessing deeper organs, such as the liver or kidneys. B. Tapping using gentle strokes with four fingers describes percussion, which is used to assess structures like the lungs or abdomen, not lymph nodes. Percussion does not provide information about size, consistency, mobility, or tenderness of lymph nodes. C. Lightly pinching with first two fingers is not a standard technique and may be too rough or inaccurate to assess lymph nodes. Pinching could compress surrounding tissues and fail to detect small or tender nodes. D. Using gentle circular motions with the pads of the fingers is the correct technique. The nurse should use the pads of the index and middle fingers to gently palpate each group of lymph nodes in a systematic sequence, assessing for size, consistency, tenderness, and mobility. This technique ensures that nodes are not missed and patient discomfort is minimized.