Which finding would suggest swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes can often be indicated by specific findings during an examination. In this context, the option that suggests swollen lymph nodes is the presence of enlarged or 1+ tonsils. Enlarged tonsils, especially when classified as 1+ (which indicates that the tonsils are visibly enlarged but not significantly obstructing the airway), can be a sign of lymphatic system activity, often associated with infections or other conditions that stimulate lymphatic response, including the enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

The presence of swollen tonsils frequently correlates with lymphadenopathy, as the tonsils are lymphoid tissues, which can swell in reaction to infection or inflammation, leading to nearby lymph nodes also becoming palpable or enlarged. Thus, the involvement of the tonsils provides direct insight into the state of lymphatic health in the head and neck area.

In contrast, clear discharge does not indicate lymph node swelling, as it typically relates to sinus or nasal conditions, while no palpable nodes and symmetric neck describe normal findings that do not suggest any lymph node enlargement.