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?

Choice A rationale:

Keeping bright lights on in the room is not conducive to relaxation. Bright lights can be stimulating and may increase stress, which is counterproductive when trying to manage pain through relaxation techniques.

Choice B rationale:

Using relaxation techniques as a way to wake up in the morning is not the intended purpose of these techniques. Relaxation techniques are typically used to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, especially when one is trying to rest or sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups, starting with the toes and feet, is a common method for progressive muscle relaxation. This technique can help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. It is an effective approach to pain management.

Choice D rationale:

Trying to tense and relax all of the muscles of the body at the same time may be difficult for most individuals and is not a commonly recommended relaxation technique. It can be challenging to achieve the level of focus and control required for this method, and it may not be as effective as focusing on individual muscle groups.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased respirations and a rapid heart rate are not indicative of stage 3 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In stage 3, respirations are typically slow and regular, and the heart rate is slower than during wakefulness.

Choice B rationale:

Rapid respirations and a rapid heart rate are indicative of stage 3 of NREM sleep. During this stage, respiration and heart rate are more irregular compared to the earlier stages of sleep. This stage is characterized by increased physiological arousal compared to stages 1 and 2.

Choice C rationale:

Rapid respirations and a slow heart rate do not represent stage 3 of NREM sleep. In this stage, respiration tends to be rapid, and the heart rate, while slower than during wakefulness, is not slow.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased respirations and a slow heart rate are not consistent with stage 3 of NREM sleep. This stage is associated with more active and variable physiological processes, including rapid respirations and a relatively higher heart rate compared to later sleep stages.