A client is discussing the potential consequences of sleep and wakefulness disorders with a nurse. Which of the following statements accurately reflects a possible impact on sexual function?

Choice A rationale:

Frequent sleepwalking is not often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleepwalking is a separate sleep disorder that involves engaging in complex behaviors while still asleep. OSA is characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, which is different from the behaviors seen in sleepwalking.

Choice B rationale:

Experiencing night terrors is not commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Night terrors are intense episodes of fear or dread during sleep, often accompanied by screaming and physical agitation. OSA is primarily characterized by breathing disturbances during sleep rather than emotional distress.

Choice C rationale:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. OSA, on the other hand, involves the obstruction of airflow during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing.

Choice D rationale:

Pauses in breathing (apnea) during sleep are often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to temporary pauses in breathing. These pauses can cause oxygen levels to drop and disrupt the sleep cycle, resulting in fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Choice A rationale:

Sleep diary involves individuals tracking their sleep patterns and habits over a certain period of time, usually done by the individual themselves. It does not involve monitoring physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body position. A sleep diary is a subjective self-reporting tool rather than a comprehensive assessment method.

Choice B rationale:

Physical examination can provide some information about a person's overall health, but it doesn't directly involve monitoring the specific physiological parameters mentioned. It focuses more on identifying physical health issues through a general examination rather than assessing sleep and wakefulness disorders.

Choice C rationale:

Polysomnography (PSG) is the correct choice. PSG is a comprehensive sleep study that involves monitoring various physiological parameters during sleep, including brain waves (electroencephalogram or EEG), eye movements (electrooculogram or EOG), muscle activity (electromyogram or EMG), heart rate (electrocardiogram or ECG), breathing patterns, and body position. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and provides valuable data about sleep stages, sleep-related breathing disorders, and other sleep-related issues.

Choice D rationale:

Sleep history involves collecting information about an individual's sleep patterns, habits, and behaviors over time. While it provides important insights into sleep-related problems, it doesn't directly involve monitoring physiological parameters during sleep like PSG does. Sleep history is typically obtained through interviews and questionnaires.