Which of the following lymph nodes are primarily assessed during a HEENT exam?

The preauricular, postauricular, submandibular, and cervical lymph nodes are specifically assessed during a HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat) examination because they are directly associated with the regions of the head and neck.

The preauricular lymph nodes are located in front of the ear and are often involved in conditions affecting the eyes or ears. The postauricular lymph nodes are found behind the ear and can be indicative of infections in nearby areas. The submandibular lymph nodes, located beneath the jaw, can become swollen from infections in the mouth or throat. Lastly, cervical lymph nodes, which encompass a range of nodes in the neck, are critical for evaluating any signs of systemic infection or malignancy affecting head and neck structures.

In contrast, the other choices include lymph nodes that are not primarily assessed during a standard HEENT exam, such as axillary and mesenteric lymph nodes, which are more relevant to examinations of the chest, abdomen, or upper limbs. The inclusion of nodes like popliteal and inguinal also shifts the focus away from the head and neck area, highlighting why the first choice is the most appropriate for a HEENT assessment.