Which nodes are targeted early when treating a swollen hand?

• A. Ulnar and radial nodes.
• B. Supraclavicular and axillary nodes to clear central drainage pathways toward the trunk.
• C. Inguinal nodes.
• D. Popliteal nodes.

Answer: (B)

In manual lymph drainage for a swollen hand, the first priority is to open the central drainage pathways toward the trunk. The lymph from the hand drains upward into the upper limb’s central nodes, specifically the axillary nodes, and then toward the central trunk near the neck via the supraclavicular region. By stimulating these proximal nodes early, you create a clear route for fluid to move from the hand toward the venous system, which helps reduce edema more effectively. The other options involve areas that don’t serve as the main early central drainage routes for the upper limb, so they don’t produce the same immediate benefit for hand swelling.