(Select all that apply):. A nurse is educating a group of patients about the treatment options for sleep and wakefulness disorders. Which of the following options would the nurse include in the discussion? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Increased cardiovascular risk is a potential impact of sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Choice B rationale:

Enhanced immune function is not a potential impact of sleep deprivation. In fact, sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Choice C rationale:

Improved emotional regulation is not a potential impact of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation often leads to mood disturbances, irritability, and emotional instability.

Choice D rationale:

Reduced attention span is a potential impact of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can impair the ability to concentrate, focus, and sustain attention on tasks.

Choice E rationale:

Enhanced memory and learning is not a potential impact of sleep deprivation. On the contrary, sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and optimal cognitive function, and sleep deprivation can hinder learning and memory processes.

Choice A rationale:

Using medications as the primary long-term treatment for sleep disorders is not recommended due to the potential for tolerance, dependency, and adverse effects. Many sleep medications can lose their effectiveness over time, and relying solely on medications may not address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances.

Choice B rationale:

Over-the-counter antihistamines are not the preferred choice for treating sleep problems, as they can lead to drowsiness the next day and potentially interact with other medications. Their safety profile for long-term use is not well-established, and they might not address the root causes of sleep disorders.

Choice C rationale:

Taking medications in varying dosages without consulting a healthcare professional is unsafe and can lead to unpredictable effects, including overdose and adverse reactions. Dosing of sleep medications should be carefully monitored and adjusted based on individual needs and response.

Choice D rationale:

The correct choice, this statement accurately reflects the guideline for using medications to treat sleep and wakefulness disorders. Medications for sleep disorders should be used cautiously and under medical supervision. This is because sleep medications can have potential side effects such as drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and even rebound insomnia upon discontinuation. Additionally, there's a risk of interactions with other medications the patient might be taking. Healthcare professionals should evaluate the patient's medical history, potential drug interactions, and individual needs before prescribing sleep medications. Non-pharmacological interventions and addressing underlying causes of sleep disorders are also important aspects of treatment.