A nurse is educating a group of clients about sleep-related breathing disorders. Which of the following symptoms is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Choice A rationale:

Medication (short-term use) is not the commonly recommended intervention for a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep. While medication might be considered in certain cases, it is usually not the first-line treatment option for this condition. Medications can have side effects and may not address the underlying causes of the sleep disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Relaxation techniques can be helpful for improving sleep quality and managing stress, but they are not typically the primary intervention for excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep. Relaxation techniques focus more on promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which might indirectly improve sleep patterns but may not directly address the specific disorder described.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly recommended for a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep. CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based approach that addresses the psychological and behavioral factors contributing to sleep disturbances. It focuses on improving sleep hygiene, modifying negative thought patterns about sleep, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule. CBT has shown effectiveness in treating sleep disorders without the potential side effects of medications.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is generally a good practice for promoting healthy sleep, but it alone is not the commonly recommended intervention for a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep. While avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help prevent sleep disturbances, it might not fully resolve the underlying disorder causing excessive sleepiness.

Choice A rationale:

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a symptom that can occur in various sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and even insufficient sleep due to poor sleep hygiene. However, the client's difficulty adjusting to different time zones due to frequent travel is more indicative of a disruption in circadian rhythms caused by shift work and jet lag, rather than a specific disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.

Choice B rationale:

Shift work sleep disorder is the correct choice. Frequent travel across different time zones disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to difficulties in adjusting to new sleep-wake schedules. This disruption can result in insomnia, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. The client's experience aligns with the characteristics of shift work sleep disorder, which is common among individuals who work irregular hours or travel frequently.

Choice C rationale:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs that lead to an urge to move them. This disorder is unlikely to be the cause of the client's difficulty adjusting to time zone changes and frequent travel. RLS symptoms are more related to sensations in the legs rather than disturbances in sleep-wake schedules.

Choice D rationale:

Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can certainly impact sleep and wakefulness. However, the client's symptoms of struggling with time zone adjustments and frequent travel are more closely associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms due to changes in sleep schedules rather than being solely indicative of a mood disorder.