A client scheduled to undergo a lymph node biopsy asks, "If lymph nodes are so prone to cancer, why don't they just take them all out?" How should the nurse respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: An efficient lymph system, including lymph nodes, is essential to good health.
Rationale 2: There is no indication that taking out the majority of lymph nodes in a body region is necessary or possible.
Rationale 3: The macrophages and lymphocytes in the lymph nodes kill, neutralize, or remove pathogens and cancer cells.
Rationale 4: The lymph system is a major contributor to defence against infection.
Rationale 5: It is not possible or desirable to remove all of a client's lymph nodes.

A Client Scheduled to Undergo a Lymph Node Biopsy Asks