A nurse caring for a client who requires isolation has just finished a care procedure. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse remove last?

Choice A reason: This response demonstrates empathy and active listening. It acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment and opens the door for further discussion about their concerns. It is a therapeutic communication technique that helps build rapport and trust between the nurse and the client. When a client feels understood, it can reduce their anxiety and promote a sense of safety, which may improve their ability to sleep and concentrate.

Choice B reason: While it is important for clients to communicate with their healthcare providers, this response might make the client feel dismissed or that their immediate concerns are not being addressed by the nurse. It could be perceived as deflecting the responsibility to someone else, rather than the nurse providing support at that moment.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to self-reflect on the reasons for their anxiety could be helpful, but it might also be overwhelming for them if they are already in a heightened state of anxiety. This question should be asked with caution and at an appropriate time when the client is more likely to engage in productive self-reflection.

Choice D reason: This statement minimizes the client's experience by suggesting that their problem is common and insignificant. It fails to acknowledge the severity of the client's distress and does not offer any comfort or assistance. It is not a therapeutic response because it does not validate the client's feelings or encourage further communication.

Choice A reason: Decreased energy is a common symptom of OSA due to disrupted sleep patterns and the body's struggle to maintain adequate oxygen levels during apneic episodes. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Choice B reason: While thyroid disease can be associated with sleep disorders, it is not a direct finding of OSA. However, hypothyroidism can contribute to the development of OSA due to myxedematous changes leading to airway obstruction.

Choice C reason: Pneumonia is not a direct finding of OSA. However, individuals with OSA may be at increased risk for respiratory infections due to repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, which can lead to aspiration.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is generally not associated with OSA. In fact, OSA is more commonly linked with hypertension due to the sympathetic nervous system activation that occurs with each apneic episode.