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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This statement incorrectly defines sleep as a state of alertness, which is not accurate.
Choice B rationale: Sleep is characterized by reduced muscle movement and decreased awareness of surroundings, not increased muscle movement and heightened awareness.
Choice C rationale: This statement describes a condition known as hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, which is a sleep disorder rather than a definition of sleep itself.
Choice D rationale: Sleep is indeed a prolonged period of unconsciousness that is necessary for maintaining well-being. It is essential for physical and mental health, allowing the body to rest, repair, and rejuvenate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, often resulting in daytime impairments. The symptoms mentioned in the question, such as snoring loudly and waking up gasping for air, are more indicative of sleep apnea rather than insomnia. Insomnia does not typically involve loud snoring or gasping for air.
Choice B rationale:
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that involves excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep (called cataplexy), and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. While the client in the question reports waking up gasping for air and loud snoring, these symptoms are not characteristic of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy symptoms are more related to sudden sleep attacks and disruptions in REM sleep.
Choice C rationale:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that leads to an irresistible urge to move them, often occurring at rest and during the evening or nighttime. It can disrupt sleep due to the need to move the legs, but it does not typically cause loud snoring or waking up gasping for air. RLS is more associated with uncomfortable sensations in the legs rather than breathing-related symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The client's symptoms of snoring loudly and waking up gasping for air are characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep, leading to temporary pauses in breathing.
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