What does "waxing and waning" imply about a patient's symptoms?

The phrase "waxing and waning" refers to the pattern of a patient's symptoms exhibiting fluctuations in intensity over time. This terminology often describes conditions where the severity of symptoms can vary, meaning there are periods of improvement (waning) followed by periods of worsening (waxing).

When used in a medical context, this can indicate a chronic condition where the patient may experience times of relative stability, where symptoms are less severe or even absent, followed by episodes where symptoms become more pronounced. This pattern is commonly seen in various illnesses, such as certain autoimmune diseases or chronic pain syndromes, where the patient's experience can change significantly.

In contrast, the other options describe static states. The idea of symptoms being absent doesn’t align with "waxing and waning," as it denotes a fluctuation rather than an absence. Similarly, consistently severe symptoms depict a more constant and unchanging situation, which is the opposite of what waxing and waning suggests. Lastly, an implication that symptoms are always getting worse implies a linear progression that contradicts the variability inherent in "waxing and waning." Thus, the correct interpretation is that it signifies fluctuations in intensity.