The Hematologic System ATI Related

Review The Hematologic System ATI related questions and content

A 19-year-old freshman in college presents with 'lumps' on the right side of his neck and in the right axilla. He had a fever to 39 °C 1 day in the past week. On physical exam, there are firm anterior cervical and axillary nodes, all greater than 2 cm in diameter. A chest x-ray shows a large mediastinal mass. A biopsy of the axillary node reveals classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Which of the following symptoms revealed during the history is a B symptom?

  • A. Fever to 39 °C
  • B. 10% weight loss in past 6 months
  • C. Fatigue
  • D. Alcohol-induced pain
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 10% weight loss in the past 6 months. In Hodgkin lymphoma, B symptoms include unexplained weight loss of more than 10% in the past 6 months, fever >38°C, and night sweats. Weight loss is a significant indicator of systemic illness and malignancy. In this case, the patient's weight loss, along with the presence of fever and lymphadenopathy, fulfills the criteria for B symptoms in Hodgkin lymphoma. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fever, fatigue, and alcohol-induced pain are not specifically classified as B symptoms in the context of Hodgkin lymphoma. Fever alone does not qualify as a B symptom unless it is associated with other systemic symptoms like weight loss and night sweats. Fatigue can be a nonspecific symptom in many conditions, and alcohol-induced pain is not a recognized B symptom in Hodgkin lymphoma.