Where would a nurse palpate to assess the occipital lymph nodes during a head and neck assessment?

The occipital lymph nodes are located at the base of the skull, specifically just behind the ears. When assessing these nodes, the nurse would place their fingers at the back and lower part of the head, near the occipital bone, and press gently to palpate for any swelling or tenderness. This area is significant because the occipital lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic drainage system for the scalp and might become enlarged in response to infections or other diseases.

While the other choices refer to areas where other lymph nodes can be assessed—like preauricular nodes in front of the ears, submental nodes below the chin, and mandibular nodes along the jawline—they do not pertain to the occipital lymph nodes specifically. Understanding the exact location of the occipital nodes is crucial for accurate palpation and assessment during a physical examination.