To assess for thyroid enlargement, what should the patient be asked to do?

Asking the patient to swallow is essential for assessing thyroid enlargement because it allows for the observation of the thyroid gland's movement. When a person swallows, the structures in the neck, including the thyroid gland, move upward. This movement can help a healthcare provider visualize and palpate the gland more effectively, determining if there is any abnormal enlargement or nodularity present in the thyroid itself.

In contrast, other options might not have the same diagnostic utility. For example, turning the head to one side may change the position of the neck structures but does not specifically assist in evaluating the thyroid's condition. Similarly, opening the mouth wide does not directly aid in assessing the thyroid and does not facilitate examination of its anatomy or any surrounding abnormalities. Leaning back slightly could potentially help with visibility but does not provide the dynamic assessment offered by swallowing. Therefore, having the patient swallow is the most effective method to assess for thyroid enlargement.