Exam 21: Sleep–Wake Disorders

A nurse provides health education for an adult with sleep deprivation. It is most important for the nurse to encourage caution when the patient engages in which of the following?

A patient reports, "Nearly every night I awaken feeling frightened after a bad dream. The dream usually involves being hunted by people trying to hurt me. It usually happens between 4 and 5 a.m." The nurse assesses this disorder as most consistent with criteria for which problem?

A nurse who works night shift says, "I am exhausted most of the time. I sleep through my alarm. Sometimes my brain does not seem to work right. I am worried that I might make a practice error." Which question should the nursing supervisor ask first?

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports, "For the past month I've been having a lot of trouble falling asleep. When I finally get to sleep, I wake up several times during the night." Which information should the nurse seek initially?

A patient says, "It takes me about 15 minutes to go to sleep each night." Which of the following does this comment describe?

A patient experiencing primary insomnia says she takes a nap during the day and asks the nurse, "Doesn't that make up for a lost night's sleep?" Select the nurse's best reply.