A client is prescribed a medication to help manage their sleep disorder. Which statement accurately reflects a guideline for using medications to treat sleep and wakefulness disorders?
"Medications should be used long-term as the primary treatment for sleep disorders.".
"It's safe to take over-the-counter antihistamines to help with sleep problems.".
"Patients can take medications in varying dosages without consulting a healthcare professional.".
"Medications should be used cautiously and under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Using medications as the primary long-term treatment for sleep disorders is not recommended due to the potential for tolerance, dependency, and adverse effects. Many sleep medications can lose their effectiveness over time, and relying solely on medications may not address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances.
Choice B rationale:
Over-the-counter antihistamines are not the preferred choice for treating sleep problems, as they can lead to drowsiness the next day and potentially interact with other medications. Their safety profile for long-term use is not well-established, and they might not address the root causes of sleep disorders.
Choice C rationale:
Taking medications in varying dosages without consulting a healthcare professional is unsafe and can lead to unpredictable effects, including overdose and adverse reactions. Dosing of sleep medications should be carefully monitored and adjusted based on individual needs and response.
Choice D rationale:
The correct choice, this statement accurately reflects the guideline for using medications to treat sleep and wakefulness disorders. Medications for sleep disorders should be used cautiously and under medical supervision. This is because sleep medications can have potential side effects such as drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and even rebound insomnia upon discontinuation. Additionally, there's a risk of interactions with other medications the patient might be taking. Healthcare professionals should evaluate the patient's medical history, potential drug interactions, and individual needs before prescribing sleep medications. Non-pharmacological interventions and addressing underlying causes of sleep disorders are also important aspects of treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Actigraphy is a method that involves wearing a wrist-worn device that monitors movement and light exposure to infer sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. It's often used in sleep research and can provide long-term data, but it doesn't directly measure physiological parameters like brain waves, eye movements, and heart rate. Therefore, it's not the correct choice for this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is used to assess a person's ability to stay awake during a quiet, daytime environment. It's typically used to evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness, especially in individuals with conditions like narcolepsy. This test doesn't involve monitoring physiological parameters during sleep and is performed while the person is awake, so it's not the correct choice.
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, EEG), eye movements (electrooculogram, EOG), muscle activity (electromyogram, EMG), and heart rate (electrocardiogram, ECG). This test is commonly used to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and parasomnias.
Choice D rationale:
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a self-report questionnaire used to assess an individual's likelihood of falling asleep in various situations. It's a subjective measure of daytime sleepiness and doesn't involve monitoring physiological parameters during sleep, so it's not the correct choice.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This is a correct choice. CPAP is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the breathing interruptions characteristic of OSA.
Choice B rationale:
Oral appliance therapy (OAT). While OAT can be used for mild to moderate OSA, it is not as commonly used as CPAP. It involves wearing a custom-fitted oral device that helps keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw during sleep.
Choice C rationale:
Weight loss. This is a correct choice. Weight loss can significantly improve OSA, especially in cases where excess weight contributes to airway obstruction. Losing weight reduces the amount of tissue that can narrow the airway during sleep.
Choice D rationale:
Surgery. Surgical interventions may be considered for severe cases of OSA that don't respond well to CPAP or other treatments. Surgeries can involve removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or creating a new airway passage. However, surgery is not as commonly used as CPAP or weight loss.
Choice E rationale:
Medication (dopamine agonists). Medications are not commonly used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dopamine agonists are typically used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, not OSA.
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