What is the primary purpose of palpating lymph nodes during a HEENT assessment?

The primary purpose of palpating lymph nodes during a HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat) assessment is to check for enlargement, tenderness, or abnormal findings. Lymph nodes are an integral part of the lymphatic system and play a crucial role in immune response. When lymph nodes become enlarged or tender, it can indicate an underlying infection, inflammation, or malignancy.

During the examination, healthcare professionals systematically feel various lymph node groups (such as cervical nodes, supraclavicular nodes, and others) to assess their size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. Normal lymph nodes are usually small, non-tender, and mobile, while abnormal nodes may be larger, firm, fixed, or painful. Observing these characteristics helps in forming a differential diagnosis, guiding further investigation or management.

The other options do not accurately reflect the focus of lymph node palpation. Locating external injuries is more aligned with a physical examination for trauma, assessing skin texture and color pertains to skin health rather than lymphatic assessments, and determining blood pressure is a separate cardiovascular evaluation that does not involve lymph nodes.