Consolidated indicative of bacterial pneumonia

A 72-year-old female who presents to the family practice with her 40-year-old daughter. The daughter states that her mother has been confused lately and is complaining of a headache, shortness of breath, and a cough. The cough has been persistent for 6 days, and a fever had developed 2 days ago. The patient states that she is bringing up yellow-green mucus and has a cough, which gets worse at night. Vital signs are T 38°C, P 88, R 16, and BP 110/55. Lungs are positive bilaterally for wheezing, positive egophony. Chest radiography reveals consolidation indicative of bacterial pneumonia. Labs and culture are pending for specific antigen. The nurse proceeds with the physical examination of the head, face, neck, and associated lymphatic system.

1. What specific questions should the nurse obtain when performing a review of systems on this patient?

2. The nurse proceeds to palpate the lymph nodes. Which lymph nodes are located in the neck?

3. When performing the physical examination, what objective data should the nurse obtain while inspecting and palpating the head and neck region?

4. How might the physical examination vary depending on the patient’s age?