The client was diagnosed with heart failure and is currently taking high doses of diuretics. During the assessment, the nurse noted generalized weakness, flat neck veins, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. Which of the following symptoms would indicate that the client has hyponatremia?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hyperactive bowel sounds indicate hyponatremia with diuretics in heart failure, due to GI irritability from low sodium. Decreased output and high specific gravity suggest dehydration, not hyponatremia. Tremors are nonspecific. Nurses, per NCLEX, link this to sodium imbalance, making B correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unaffected side is correct for thoracentesis, allowing access to the affected lung's pleural space. Affected side , prone , or Sims' hinder procedure safety. Nurses, per NCLEX, position for optimal drainage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Chronic pain is defined by its persistence, typically lasting longer than six months, often outlasting the initial injury or illness that caused it. Unlike acute pain, it doesn't serve a protective function and can significantly impact a person's quality of life, including physical, emotional, and social well-being. Choice A is incorrect because quick resolution is a trait of acute pain, not chronic. Choice C is wrong as chronic pain affects more than just physical healthit often leads to psychological distress, like depression or anxiety, and social isolation. Choice D is misleading because chronic pain isn't always sharp; it can be dull, aching, or variable in intensity. Choice B correctly identifies the key characteristic of chronic painits duration exceeding six monthsmaking it a critical focus for long-term management in nursing care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fatigue is most associated with persistent exhaustion, a deep, unrelenting tiredness that doesn't fully resolve with rest and often accompanies chronic conditions, stress, or sleep deficits. This distinguishes it from temporary tiredness, impacting physical and mental functioning. Choice A, increased alertness, is the opposite of fatigue, which clouds awareness and slows responses. Choice C, improved concentration, doesn't fitfatigue often causes brain fog,' impairing focus and memory. Choice D, elevated mood, is unlikely, as fatigue frequently correlates with irritability or low mood due to its draining effects. Choice B, persistent exhaustion, is the hallmark symptom, making it the most accurate answer. Nurses recognize this as a key indicator when assessing patients, guiding interventions like energy conservation techniques or addressing underlying causes, such as anemia or depression, to improve overall well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Chronic widespread pain is a typical feature of fibromyalgia, affecting multiple body regions bilaterally, persisting for months, and often accompanied by tenderness and fatigue. This distinguishes it from localized or transient pain conditions. Choice A, localized pain only, is incorrectfibromyalgia's hallmark is its diffuse nature, not confined to one area like arthritis might be. Choice C, brief episodes of discomfort, doesn't fit; fibromyalgia pain is chronic, not episodic or short-lived. Choice D, complete relief with rest, is misleadingrest may help, but fibromyalgia pain persists, worsened by stress or poor sleep. Choice B is accurate, reflecting the condition's core diagnostic criterion, guiding nurses to focus on widespread pain management, stress reduction, and patient education to mitigate its pervasive impact.