A nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client's neck. Which assessment finding would the nurse consider expected?

Rationale: A. The jugular veins should not be visibly distended when the client is sitting upright. Visible jugular vein distention in this position can indicate increased central venous pressure or heart failure, which is an abnormal finding. B. Tenderness when palpating the thyroid gland is not expected. A healthy thyroid is typically non-tender. Pain or tenderness may indicate inflammation, infection (thyroiditis), or other pathology requiring further evaluation. C. A visibly enlarged thyroid gland is abnormal. Enlargement (goiter) may indicate thyroid dysfunction, iodine deficiency, or other endocrine disorders, and is not considered an expected finding in a healthy client. D. Full range of motion of the neck without pain or stiffness is an expected finding. This indicates normal musculoskeletal function of the cervical spine and surrounding structures, which is consistent with a healthy assessment.