Fever of unknown origin.

The evaluation of an FUO is a significant test of all a physician's clinical skills. The ultimate goal of the physician is to reach a diagnosis and to cure the patient in the best possible situation. Despite such pressure both externally and self-imposed, a physician needs to meticulously follow the patient and logically pursue the available diagnostic tests. To "shotgun" the process, except in the most urgent situation, is to ultimately create more frustration, confusion, and despair among the physician and his patient.