The nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The patient states, “I just don’t feel like going to work. I have no energy, and I can’t eat or sleep.” The patient shows no interest in taking part in the care by saying, “What’s the use?” Which response by the nurse is best?

Choice A reason: Placing the patient farthest from the nurses’ station increases isolation, worsening sensory deprivation. Bed rest already limits stimuli, and distance reduces interaction with staff, exacerbating disorientation or loneliness. This action contradicts the need to provide sensory stimulation, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason: Asking if the patient wants a newspaper provides visual and cognitive stimulation, counteracting sensory deprivation from bed rest. Reading engages the mind, reducing boredom and disorientation. This action aligns with promoting sensory input, making it an appropriate intervention to maintain mental engagement and well-being.

Choice C reason: Offering a back rub provides tactile stimulation, which is beneficial, but sensory deprivation primarily affects cognitive and perceptual functions. Reading a newspaper better addresses visual and intellectual needs, more directly countering the effects of limited environmental stimuli, making this a less optimal choice.

Choice D reason: Hanging a “Do not disturb” sign reduces interactions, increasing sensory deprivation. Bed rest patients need regular engagement to prevent disorientation or depression. This action isolates the patient further, contradicting the goal of providing sensory stimulation, making it an incorrect intervention.

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