The nurse is caring for a patient who is a well-known surgeon at the hospital. The nurse notices the patient becoming more agitated and withdrawn with each group of surgeon visitors. The nurse and patient agree to place a “Do not disturb” sign on the door. A few hours later, the nurse notices a surgeon who is not involved in the patient’s care attempting to enter the room. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A reason: Short naps (15-20 minutes) are recommended for narcolepsy to manage excessive daytime sleepiness without disrupting nighttime sleep. This aligns with evidence-based management, improving alertness. No intervention is needed, as this practice supports symptom control, enhancing daily function and reducing sleep attacks in narcolepsy patients.

Choice B reason: Taking antidepressants, like SSRIs or SNRIs, is standard for narcolepsy to manage cataplexy or sleep disturbances. This is appropriate and requires no intervention unless misuse occurs. The nurse would ensure proper dosing, as antidepressants support symptom control, improving quality of life without disrupting narcolepsy management strategies.

Choice C reason: Chewing gum regularly is benign and unrelated to narcolepsy management. It may help with alertness but doesn’t warrant intervention. Unlike environmental factors like room temperature, gum has no significant impact on sleep quality or narcolepsy symptoms, making it an irrelevant focus for nursing education or correction.

Choice D reason: Sleeping in a hot, stuffy room disrupts sleep quality, exacerbating narcolepsy symptoms like fragmented sleep or daytime sleepiness. The nurse intervenes to promote a cool, well-ventilated sleep environment, critical for optimizing rest. Poor sleep hygiene worsens narcolepsy, reducing treatment efficacy and increasing risks of sleep attacks or fatigue.

Choice A reason: A belief tool is not a standardized method for spiritual assessment. The FICA tool specifically evaluates faith, importance, community, and action, including questions about God and purpose. Assuming a vague belief tool risks incomplete assessment, missing critical spiritual needs that influence patient coping and well-being in holistic care settings.

Choice B reason: The spiritual well-being scale measures general spiritual health but is not structured for detailed questions about God or life purpose, unlike the FICA tool’s targeted approach. Using this risks missing specific spiritual concerns, limiting the nurse’s ability to address existential needs critical for patient support in illness or end-of-life care.

Choice C reason: The FICA assessment tool (Faith, Importance, Community, Action) involves structured questions to evaluate spiritual beliefs, including relationships with God and life purpose. Its comprehensive 20-question format assesses spiritual needs, guiding holistic care. This method ensures tailored interventions, supporting emotional and spiritual well-being, critical for patients facing serious health challenges.

Choice D reason: The hope scale measures optimism but not specifically the relationship with God or life purpose, unlike the FICA tool’s broader spiritual focus. Assuming this method risks overlooking religious or existential concerns, reducing the effectiveness of spiritual care in addressing patient needs for meaning and satisfaction during health crises.