A nurse assesses four patients. Which patient has greatest risk for hypomagnesemia?

A) Bright light: Exposure to bright light, especially in the evening or at night, can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Bright light exposure can disrupt circadian rhythms, making it more challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep.

B) Drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening: Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep by blocking the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness. Consuming caffeinated beverages in the evening can delay the onset of sleep and reduce overall sleep duration.

C) A 20-minute nap during the day: While short naps can be beneficial for some individuals, especially if they are sleep-deprived, napping for too long or too late in the day can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Short naps can be refreshing, but longer or late-day naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

D) Emotional stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to increased alertness and difficulty relaxing or falling asleep. Chronic stress can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep and resulting in poor sleep quality.

E) A regular bedtime schedule: Having a consistent bedtime schedule can actually help regulate the sleep-wake cycle by reinforcing the body's internal clock. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, can help improve sleep quality and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

A) Halitosis: Halitosis refers to bad breath, which may or may not be related to bruxism. While teeth grinding can contribute to dental issues that may lead to halitosis, it is not the primary disorder associated with teeth grinding.
B) Sordes: Sordes refers to the accumulation of foul-smelling crusts or deposits around the teeth and gums, typically seen in individuals with poor oral hygiene or compromised oral health. It is not directly related to teeth grinding.
C) Bruxism: Bruxism refers to the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, especially during sleep. It can lead to dental problems, jaw pain, headaches, and other issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Referring the client to a dentist for evaluation and management of bruxism is appropriate to address the underlying dental concerns associated with teeth grinding.
D) Xerostomia: Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a condition characterized by reduced saliva production. While xerostomia may exacerbate dental problems and contribute to oral discomfort, it is not specifically associated with teeth grinding.