Question

Mr. J, aged 38 years, presents to the clinic today for his routine physical. During the review of systems, he offhandedly mentions that he has a "knot" in his neck, but he figures it is no big deal since it does not hurt. He also reports occasional fever and chills, and the last several weeks, he has awakened drenched in sweat. He attributes this to the fact that he was around his niece and nephew who were both recovering from the flu.
1. What other questions would be helpful to determine the source of these symptoms?

2. The healthcare provider (HCP) has ordered a chest x-ray because he is suspicious of Hodgkin lymphoma. What is the rationale for this order?

Answer 1

Answer: See explanation

Explanation:

1. What other questions would be helpful to determine the source of these symptoms?

The questions include:

• When Mr J first noticed the knot in his neck.

• When did he start having fever?

• When does he normally feel the knot?

• Is there any other nodes in his body?

• Does he feel any tightness in his chest?

• What kind of work does he do?

• Is he allergic to anything?

• Does he have a loss of appetite?

• Does his family have any history of cancer?

2. The healthcare provider (HCP) has ordered a chest x-ray because he is suspicious of Hodgkin lymphoma. What is the rationale for this order?

Hodgkin lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system. The cancer limits the ability of the body to fight infection. Due to the knot in his neck, the healthcare provider (HCP) has ordered a chest x-ray and fever that he has.