Final answer:
An infection in the thumb can lead to swollen lymph nodes, especially in areas closest to the thumb. These nodes become enlarged due to their immune response. If symptoms persist despite treatment, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
An infection in the thumb may result in enlargement of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are a vital part of the immune system and can become swollen when they're actively fighting off an infection. In the context of a thumb infection, the lymph nodes nearest to the thumb, particularly those in the armpit or along the arm, may become enlarged as they increase their filtration and lymphocyte production to combat the invading pathogens.
These swollen lymph nodes are sometimes colloquially referred to as 'buboes,' a term historically associated with bubonic plague, but commonly used to denote any swollen lymph node. If a patient like Wei is prescribed an antibiotic, it is likely on the assumption that the infection is bacterial. It's important for Wei to follow up with his healthcare provider if his symptoms don't improve to rule out other causes such as lymphoma or other systemic issues.