A client with suspected congestive heart failure undergoes an echocardiogram. The nurse should expect which parameter to be measured during the echocardiogram to assess the client's heart function?

A) This choice is incorrect because orthopnea is a different symptom where the client experiences difficulty breathing while lying flat and finds relief by sitting upright or standing.

B) This choice is correct. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is characterized by sudden breathlessness that awakens the client from sleep, usually 1-2 hours after falling asleep. The client may feel the need to sit upright or dangle the legs to breathe comfortably.

C) This choice is incorrect because peripheral edema refers to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which is a common symptom of congestive heart failure but does not match the client's reported symptom.

D) This choice is incorrect because tachypnea is rapid breathing and is not specifically related to the client's nighttime symptom of sudden breathlessness.

A) This choice is incorrect because ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation) is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.

B) This choice is incorrect because dependent edema (swelling in the legs and ankles) is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.

C) This choice is correct. Crackles in the lungs, also known as rales, are the classic hallmark of left-sided heart failure. They occur when fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to abnormal lung sounds on auscultation.

D) This choice is incorrect because jugular vein distention is associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.