The nurse is aware that the following symptom is most commonly an early indication of stage 1 Hodgkin’s disease?
A. Pericarditis
B. Night sweat
C. Splenomegaly
D. Persistent hypothermia
Correct Answer: B. Night sweat
In stage 1, symptoms include a single enlarged lymph node (usually), unexplained fever, night sweats, malaise, and generalized pruritus.
Option A: Pericarditis refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, two thin layers of a sac-like tissue that surround the heart, hold it in place, and help it work. Pericarditis isn’t associated with Hodgkin’s disease, nor is hypothermia. Moreover, splenomegaly and pericarditis aren’t symptoms.
Option C: The spleen is involved in 20%-30% of cases of Hodgkin’s disease. Patients are usually asymptomatic.
Option D: Persistent hypothermia is associated with Hodgkin’s but isn’t an early sign of the disease.