The nurse identifies chronic pain as an appropriate nursing priority (or problem/diagnosis) for a client with fibromyalgia.
Which manifestation did the client most likely report that caused the nurse to select this priority?

This is because fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Fibromyalgia often co-exists with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and other types of headaches. One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. The pain could also be felt in specific areas called tender points. These are places on the body where even light pressure causes pain. There are 18 possible tender points on the body. Having pain in at least 11 of these points is one way to help diagnose fibromyalgia.

Choice A is wrong because chronic ocular pain related to stress, fatigue, and certain triggers is not a typical symptom of fibromyalgia.

Ocular pain is more likely to be caused by other conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or eye infections.

Choice B is wrong because pain and sensitivity in the upper extremities and neck are not enough to indicate fibromyalgia. The pain must be widespread and affect both sides of the body and above and below the waist. Choice C is wrong because dull joint pain that accompanies physical exertion and which is relieved with rest is not a characteristic of fibromyalgia. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant dull ache that does not improve with rest. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep problems.

Splenomegaly and jaundice are signs of hemolytic anemia, a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made.

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen, which may trap and destroy healthy red blood cells. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product of hemoglobin breakdown. Choice A is wrong because red, sore tongue is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia.

Choice B is wrong because pica is a craving for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt, or starch. It is a sign of iron deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia. Choice D is wrong because paresthesias are sensations of tingling, numbness, or prickling in the hands or feet. They are a sign of pernicious anemia, a type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia.

Normal ranges for red blood cell count are 4.5 to 5.9 million cells per microliter for men and 4.1 to 5.1 million cells per microliter for women. Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter for men and 12.0 to 15.5 gramsper deciliter for women. Normal ranges for bilirubin are 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter for adults.