The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is assessing a patient's thyroid gland. The APRN places their hands below which anatomical landmark?

A. Lower mandible is incorrect because the mandible (jawbone) is superior to the thyroid gland. While it serves as a general landmark for the neck, the thyroid is located lower and is not directly palpated beneath the mandible. B. Cricoid cartilage is correct because the thyroid gland lies immediately below the cricoid cartilage, spanning the 2nd to 4th tracheal rings. When palpating the thyroid, the APRN places their fingers just below the cricoid cartilage on either side of the trachea to assess for size, nodules, and symmetry. This landmark ensures accurate palpation of the thyroid without interference from other neck structures. C. Vocal cords are incorrect because the vocal cords are internal structures within the larynx and cannot be palpated externally. Their location is superior to the thyroid gland, and they are assessed indirectly via laryngoscopy, not manual examination. D. Suprasternal notch is incorrect because this is inferior and medial to the thyroid gland. While it is a useful landmark for identifying the trachea and jugular notch, thyroid palpation is performed above this notch, not directly on it.