A woman who was sexually assaulted a month ago presents to the emergency department with reports of recurrent nightmares, fear of going to sleep, repeated vivid memories of the sexual assault, and inability to feel much emotion. Which medical problem will the nurse expect to see documented in the chart?

Choice A reason: Narcolepsy causes sudden sleep attacks and cataplexy but does not typically disrupt breathing patterns during sleep. It affects sleep-wake regulation, not airway mechanics. This condition is unlikely to cause ineffective breathing, as it lacks the respiratory obstruction linked to the nursing diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Sleep deprivation results from insufficient sleep, leading to fatigue and cognitive issues, but it does not directly cause ineffective breathing patterns. It may exacerbate other conditions, but without airway obstruction, it is not the primary cause of the respiratory diagnosis, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Insomnia involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, causing fatigue and irritability, but it does not typically affect breathing mechanics. It lacks the airway obstruction or hypoventilation associated with ineffective breathing patterns, making it an unlikely cause for the nursing diagnosis.

Choice D reason: Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated airway collapse during sleep, leading to hypopnea, apnea, and ineffective breathing patterns. This disrupts oxygenation and ventilation, aligning with the nursing diagnosis. The nurse likely identified symptoms like snoring or pauses in breathing, making this the correct condition to monitor.

Choice A reason: Transpersonal connectedness involves a spiritual or transcendent bond beyond personal interaction, often with a higher power or universe. While spiritual care may include this, the nurse’s direct connection with the patient is more personal and relational, making interpersonal a more accurate description of the experienced connection.

Choice B reason: Multipersonal is not a recognized term in nursing or spiritual care contexts. It suggests multiple personal connections but lacks specificity. The nurse’s one-on-one connection with the patient during spiritual care is better described as interpersonal, focusing on their direct, personal interaction, making this incorrect.

Choice C reason: Intrapersonal connectedness refers to self-reflection or internal awareness, not a connection with another person. The nurse’s experience involves engaging with the patient, not self-focused introspection. This type does not apply to the relational aspect of providing spiritual care, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice D reason: Interpersonal connectedness occurs between two individuals, as when the nurse connects with the patient during spiritual care. This relational bond fosters trust, empathy, and support, aligning with the nurse’s role in addressing the patient’s spiritual needs through direct interaction, making this the correct type of connectedness experienced.