A nurse is assessing the status of a patient who is sleeping.
Which assessment data indicate that the patient is most likely in stage 3 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep?

The correct answer is: C. Decreased energy.

Choice A reason: Hypotension is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is more commonly linked with hypertension due to the frequent arousals during sleep that activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased blood pressure.

Choice B reason: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and is not a direct consequence of OSA. While OSA can affect the respiratory system, it does not cause pneumonia. However, individuals with OSA may have a higher risk of respiratory infections due to compromised breathing during sleep.

Choice C reason: Decreased energy is a common symptom of OSA. People with OSA experience repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and insufficient rest. This results in daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which are hallmark signs of the condition.

Choice D reason: Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can be associated with OSA, but it is not a direct finding of the condition. Hypothyroidism can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the upper airway and contribute to the development of OSA, but it is not a symptom used to diagnose OSA.

Choice A rationale:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.