The nurse takes into consideration that when the patient has an order for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), the pump will be programmed by the:

Choice A rationale:

Excessive NREM sleep does not cause periodic pauses in breathing. NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep consists of stages 1 through 4 and is characterized by a decrease in physiological activity, including a decrease in muscle tone. There is no direct association with breathing interruptions in NREM sleep.

Choice B rationale:

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but it does not involve periodic pauses in breathing. It is unrelated to the symptoms described in the question.

Choice C rationale:

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy). It is not associated with periodic pauses in breathing, as described in the question.

Choice D rationale:

Sleep apnea is the correct answer. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep. The patient may stop breathing for brief periods, then start breathing again. This pattern is consistent with the symptoms described in the question. Sleep apnea can have serious health implications and is important to recognize and address.

The patient with a recent abdominal incision has an abdominal binder applied. The nurse explains that this appliance helps reduce pain by: The correct answer is choice A: supporting surface and internal tissues.

Choice A rationale:
An abdominal binder is primarily used to support surface and internal tissues. It provides gentle compression and support to the abdominal area, which can reduce pain and discomfort. By holding the incision site together and supporting the surrounding tissues, it can minimize movement and strain on the incision, helping to alleviate pain.
Choice B rationale:
While an abdominal binder may indirectly contribute to back support by stabilizing the abdominal area, its primary purpose is to support the surgical site. Enhancing early ambulation is more related to patient mobility and not the primary purpose of the binder.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal binders do not increase warmth to the incision site. In fact, excessive warmth can lead to sweating and moisture, potentially increasing the risk of infection. The primary purpose is to provide support.
Choice D rationale:
An abdominal binder does not keep sutures and staples in place. The sutures and staples are used to secure the incision, and the binder is placed over them to provide support and compression. However, the binder itself is not responsible for keeping sutures and staples in place. .