A client diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) presents with enlarged lymph nodes and Reed-Sternberg cells in the biopsy specimen.
What other symptoms are commonly associated with HL?
"I often have fever with temperatures exceeding 38°C.”
"I've noticed significant weight loss in the past 6 months.”
"I experience abdominal pain and fullness.”
"I have difficulty breathing.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Fever exceeding 38°C is a common symptom in HL, known as "Pel-Ebstein fever." This cyclic pattern of fever is characteristic of Hodgkin's lymphoma, but it is not the only common symptom.
Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the most comprehensive.
Choice B rationale:
Significant unexplained weight loss over a period of six months or less is a classic "B" symptom associated with HL.
B symptoms are systemic symptoms that indicate a more advanced stage of the disease and typically include fever, night sweats, and weight loss exceeding 10% of the patient's baseline.
This choice is correct and represents a hallmark of HL.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal pain and fullness are not typically associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
These symptoms are more commonly linked to other lymphoproliferative disorders or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)
Choice D rationale:
Difficulty breathing is not a primary symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
While it is possible for HL to cause enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum, leading to compression of the airways, this is not a common presenting symptom.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is the correct answer.
Risk factors for lymphoma include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus.
These factors can increase the risk of developing lymphoma.
Choice B rationale:
Lymphoma is not solely caused by genetic factors.
While genetics can play a role in some cases, it is a multifactorial disease influenced by various factors, including environmental and lifestyle factors.
Choice C rationale:
Autoimmune diseases are not the only conditions associated with an increased risk of lymphoma.
Other factors, as mentioned in choice A, can also contribute to the development of lymphoma.
Choice D rationale:
Age and ethnicity can be considered risk factors for lymphoma.
For example, certain types of lymphoma are more common in older individuals, and there may be variations in lymphoma incidence based on ethnicity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Night sweats are one of the B-symptoms associated with lymphoma.
B-symptoms are systemic symptoms that include night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fever.
These symptoms can be indicative of lymphoma, and their presence should be assessed in a patient with suspected lymphoma.
Choice B rationale:
Unexplained weight loss is another B-symptom commonly associated with lymphoma.
It can be a sign of lymphoma-related metabolic changes.
Assessing weight loss is important in evaluating a patient with suspected lymphoma.
Choice C rationale:
A constant cough that won't go away is not typically associated with lymphoma.
While lymphoma can cause respiratory symptoms if it involves lymph nodes in the chest, such as mediastinal lymph nodes, a persistent cough is not a primary symptom.
Choice D rationale:
Feeling weak and fatigued can be a non-specific symptom seen in various medical conditions, including lymphoma.
However, it is not a B-symptom and does not specifically point to lymphoma.
While fatigue can be associated with the disease, it is essential to consider other symptoms like night sweats and unexplained weight loss when assessing a patient for lymphoma.
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