What is the significance of the axillary region in nursing assessments?
The axillary region is crucial in nursing assessments because it houses lymph nodes, blood vessels, and nerves that are essential for the circulation and lymphatic drainage of the upper limb. During a physical examination, nurses often palpate the axillary lymph nodes to check for enlargement or tenderness, which can indicate infections, malignancies, or other medical conditions. This assessment is particularly important in patients with breast cancer, as the spread of cancer cells often involves the axillary lymph nodes.
