The nurse is caring for a patient in the intensive care unit who is having trouble sleeping. The nurse explains the purpose of sleep and its benefits. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Self-care deficit addresses physical inability to perform daily tasks, not psychological issues from sensory impairments. Hearing and visual loss primarily impact communication, leading to socialization issues. Assuming self-care deficit misaligns the diagnosis, risking neglect of psychological needs like social isolation, critical for mental health in sensory-impaired patients.

Choice B reason: Risk for falls is a physical safety concern due to sensory impairments but not psychological. Impaired socialization better addresses the psychological impact of communication barriers. Prioritizing falls risks overlooking social isolation, delaying interventions like communication aids, essential for mental well-being in patients with hearing and visual deficits.

Choice C reason: Impaired socialization, a psychological nursing diagnosis, reflects the communication barriers from hearing and visual impairments, leading to social isolation and emotional distress. This diagnosis guides interventions like assistive devices or support groups, critical for mental health, ensuring patients maintain social connections and emotional resilience despite sensory challenges.

Choice D reason: Impaired physical mobility relates to movement limitations, not psychological effects of sensory impairments. Hearing and visual loss primarily cause socialization issues, not mobility deficits. Assuming mobility misdirects care, neglecting psychological needs like social engagement, critical for preventing isolation and supporting mental health in sensory-impaired patients.

Choice A reason: Obstructive sleep apnea causes airway collapse, leading to hypopnea, apnea, and hypoxia. Assessing respiratory status, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and snoring, is critical to detect life-threatening desaturations or respiratory failure. This priority ensures airway patency and adequate oxygenation, addressing the primary pathophysiology of the condition.

Choice B reason: Neurological function may be affected by hypoxia in severe sleep apnea, causing daytime sleepiness or cognitive issues. However, respiratory status is the priority, as airway obstruction directly threatens oxygenation. Neurological assessment is secondary, as it does not address the immediate risk of respiratory compromise.

Choice C reason: Circulatory status, like blood pressure, may be impacted by chronic sleep apnea due to hypoxia-induced hypertension. However, respiratory status takes precedence, as airway obstruction is the primary issue causing desaturation. Circulatory changes are secondary and less urgent than ensuring adequate ventilation.

Choice D reason: Gastrointestinal function is unrelated to obstructive sleep apnea’s primary effects. While reflux may contribute to sleep issues, it is not a priority compared to respiratory status, which