Question

When making rounds on the night shift, the nurse observes her patient to be in deep sleep. His muscles are very relaxed. When he arouses as the nurse changes the IV tubing, he is confused. What stage of sleep was the patient most likely experiencing?

1) Stage V
2) Stage IV
3) Stage III
4) REM

Answer 1

The patient was most likely experiencing Stage IV sleep.Thus the option 2 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sleep cycle consists of four stages, and the patient's deep sleep with relaxed muscles and confusion upon arousal indicates Stage IV. In Stage IV, also known as slow-wave sleep, the body experiences the deepest level of restorative rest. During this stage, the brain produces slow delta waves, and muscles are fully relaxed. This deep sleep is crucial for physical recovery and overall well-being. As the patient was difficult to arouse and showed confusion upon waking, it aligns with the characteristics of Stage IV sleep.

In Stage IV, the sleep cycle transitions to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is associated with vivid dreaming and increased brain activity. However, the given scenario does not match the characteristics of REM sleep. The confusion upon arousal is more indicative of the transition from deep sleep to wakefulness, a common occurrence during Stage IV. Therefore, based on the patient's relaxed muscles and confusion, Stage IV is the most likely stage of sleep in this case.

Understanding sleep stages is crucial for healthcare professionals as it helps in assessing the quality of rest and identifying potential sleep disorders or disturbances that may impact a patient's overall health. In this context, recognizing the patient's experience in Stage IV sleep aids in providing appropriate care and ensuring a better understanding of the individual's sleep patterns.Thus the option 2 is correct.