A patient with diabetes and hypothyroidism is being admitted to an assisted living facility. During the admission assessment, the patient reports difficulty falling asleep. The nurse shows an understanding of sleep dysfunction and the older patient when asking:

A. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, with peak symptoms usually occurring between 48 and 72 hours. Delirium tremens (DTs), a severe form of withdrawal, usually develops within this timeframe if not managed properly.
B. This choice is partially correct but less specific. Oxazepam (Serax) is a benzodiazepine that can be prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially in patients with liver impairment, as it is metabolized differently from other benzodiazepines. However, it is not the only medication used; lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) are also commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.

C. This choice is less likely to be correct. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability. DTs typically develop between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink, not within 4 hours. Symptoms that occur within 4 hours of hospitalization are more likely to be early withdrawal symptoms rather than DTs.
D. This choice is not a standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal. While some facilities might use a tapering protocol to gradually reduce alcohol intake, in most cases, the goal is to manage withdrawal symptoms using medications rather than providing alcohol. The use of medication such as benzodiazepines is preferred to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Giving alcohol is not a standard or recommended approach for managing withdrawal in acute care settings.

A. This question addresses the emotional and psychological impact of relocating to an assisted living facility. Emotional stress and adjustment issues can affect sleep patterns. While important for understanding the patient's emotional state and potential stressors, this question may not directly address the specific physiological or medical causes of sleep difficulties.
B. This question focuses on the management of hypothyroidism, which can influence sleep patterns. Hypothyroidism and its treatment can affect energy levels and sleep quality. Medications for hypothyroidism could impact sleep if they are not well managed or if the dosage needs adjustment. However, this question alone might not cover other potential causes of sleep difficulties.
C. This question aims to identify if the patient has a history of using sleeping medications, which can help in understanding their sleep patterns and possible reliance on such treatments. Knowing whether the patient has used sleeping medications can provide insight into their current sleep issues and help the nurse assess if previous treatments have been effective or if adjustments are needed. This question is directly related to assessing and addressing sleep difficulties.
D. This question gathers information about the duration of diabetes, which can help in understanding the patient’s overall management of the condition. While the duration of diabetes is important for overall health management, it does not directly address the sleep issues the patient is experiencing. Diabetes can affect sleep, but this question does not specifically target the sleep problem.