A nurse is conducting a teaching session on types of sleep and wakefulness disorders. Which of the following classifications is characterized by abnormal behavioral, experiential, physiological, or psychological events occurring during sleep or sleep-wake transitions?

Choice A rationale:

Genetic factors. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) does have a genetic component, but it's not a major contributing factor on its own. While there might be a family history, it's not a primary cause of RLS.

Choice B rationale:

Iron deficiency anemia. This is a correct choice. Iron deficiency is strongly associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Iron is crucial for dopamine production and function, and dopamine dysregulation is thought to play a role in RLS. Treatment of iron deficiency can often alleviate RLS symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Excessive caffeine consumption. This is a correct choice. Caffeine is a stimulant that can worsen symptoms of RLS. It can exacerbate the restlessness and discomfort in the legs that are characteristic of the disorder.

Choice D rationale:

Pregnancy. Pregnancy can trigger or worsen RLS symptoms, but it is not a primary cause of RLS. The hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to RLS symptoms, but these symptoms typically resolve after pregnancy.

Choice E rationale:

Chronic stress. Chronic stress can worsen RLS symptoms, but it is not a direct cause. Stress can exacerbate the discomfort and restlessness in the legs, making the symptoms more pronounced.

Choice A rationale:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This is a correct choice. CPAP is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the breathing interruptions characteristic of OSA.

Choice B rationale:

Oral appliance therapy (OAT). While OAT can be used for mild to moderate OSA, it is not as commonly used as CPAP. It involves wearing a custom-fitted oral device that helps keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw during sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss. This is a correct choice. Weight loss can significantly improve OSA, especially in cases where excess weight contributes to airway obstruction. Losing weight reduces the amount of tissue that can narrow the airway during sleep.

Choice D rationale:

Surgery. Surgical interventions may be considered for severe cases of OSA that don't respond well to CPAP or other treatments. Surgeries can involve removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or creating a new airway passage. However, surgery is not as commonly used as CPAP or weight loss.

Choice E rationale:

Medication (dopamine agonists). Medications are not commonly used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dopamine agonists are typically used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, not OSA.