A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about physiological changes that occur during sleep. The nurse should include that which of the following changes occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep?

Choice A reason : Enlarged tonsils can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea by blocking the airway, but they do not cause central sleep apnea, which is related to the brain's control of breathing.

Choice B reason : Obesity is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea due to the physical obstruction of the airway, not central sleep apnea, which involves a failure of the brain's signaling to the muscles that control breathing.

Choice C reason : Opioid overdose can depress the central nervous system, including the brain's ability to signal for breath, leading to central sleep apnea.

Choice D reason : A deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing through the nose and contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, but it does not cause central sleep apnea.

Choice A reason : Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies behaviors or feelings with plausible but inaccurate explanations to avoid confronting the true underlying motives or facts. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their failure to take medication by blaming their partner's forgetfulness, rather than accepting personal responsibility for their health management.

Choice B reason : Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. If the client had accused their partner of being irresponsible with medication as a reflection of their own behavior, it would be an example of projection. However, in this case, the client is not projecting their own forgetfulness onto their partner but rather shifting the blame.

Choice C reason : Repression is an unconscious mechanism employed by the ego to keep disturbing or threatening thoughts from becoming conscious. It involves pushing uncomfortable thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind. The client's statement does not suggest they are unconsciously forgetting to take their medication; instead, they are consciously aware of their action and providing a justification for it.

Choice D reason : Regression is a return to earlier stages of development and abandoned forms of gratification belonging to them, prompted by dangers or conflicts arising at one of the later stages. A client demonstrating regression might exhibit childlike behaviors when faced with stress. The client's statement does not indicate a regression to more infantile behaviors or coping mechanisms.