Sore Throat and Facial Swelling: Common Complaint or Rare Diagnosis?
Abstract
This case challenge explores an uncommon presentation of a common primary care complaint, sore throat, complicated by marked bilateral facial swelling. The nurse practitioner applies diagnostic reasoning skills to establish differential diagnoses and uses evidence-based strategies for the diagnostic evaluation and management of a young adult client who presents for care in a college health setting. This case emphasizes the importance of systematic assessment when atypical findings accompany routine symptoms.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 105725–105725
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN