Question

The nurse is evaluating outcomes for the patient with insomnia. Which key principle will the nurse consider during the process?

1) The patient is the best evaluator of sleep.
2) The nurse is the best evaluator of sleep.
3) Effective interventions are the best evaluators of sleep.
4) Observations of the patient are the best evaluators of sleep.

Answer 1

When evaluating insomnia outcomes, the patient's self-evaluation is often the most accurate. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and adjustments in sleep-related behaviors, like reducing waking time spent in bed, are effective interventions for treating insomnia. The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is evaluating outcomes for the patient with insomnia and must consider that the patient is the best evaluator of sleep. Observations made by either the patient or the nurse, as well as the effectiveness of interventions, play a role in determining outcomes.

However, since sleep is a subjective experience, the patient's perception of sleep quality and restfulness is often considered the most accurate indicator of whether the treatment for insomnia is successful.

Examining sleep hygiene is often the first step in treating sleeplessness, and interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy have proven effective in managing insomnia.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly important because it addresses problematic behaviors and thought patterns contributing to insomnia.

Furthermore, limiting waking time in bed can also be beneficial as it can increase the association of the bed with sleep rather than wakefulness, which is crucial since activities inconsistent with sleep can weaken this association and potentially exacerbate insomnia issues. The correct option is 1.