Question

The nurse is caring for a young-adult patient on the medical-surgical unit. When doing midnight checks, the nurse observes the patient awake, putting a puzzle together. Which information will the nurse consider to best explain this finding?

a. The patient misses family and is lonely.
b. The patient was waiting to talk with the nurse.
c. The patient has been kept up with the noise on the unit.
d. The patient's sleep-wake cycle preference is late evening.

Answer 1

The patient's sleep-wake cycle preference is late evening.

The patient's engagement in a puzzle during midnight checks indicates a likely preference for late-evening wakefulness, aligning with individual circadian rhythms. Understanding and accommodating such variations enhance patient-centered care in the healthcare setting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would consider the option (d) that the patient's sleep-wake cycle preference is late evening to best explain the finding of the patient being awake and engaged in a puzzle during midnight checks. People have different circadian rhythms, and some individuals are naturally more alert and active during the late evening hours. This aligns with the concept of chronotypes, where people exhibit variations in their preferences for activity and wakefulness at different times of the day. The patient's behavior suggests that they may be more inclined to stay awake and engaged in activities during the late evening, which is a normal variation in sleep-wake patterns.

Understanding circadian rhythms is crucial in healthcare settings, especially when caring for patients, as it helps tailor care to individual preferences and promotes better sleep hygiene. In this scenario, recognizing the patient's preference for late evening wakefulness can guide the nursing staff in adjusting their approach to nighttime care, ensuring a more patient-centered and supportive environment. It's important for healthcare professionals to consider and respect each patient's unique circadian preferences to enhance their overall well-being and experience during hospital stays.

In conclusion, the observation of the patient awake and involved in a puzzle during midnight checks can be explained by acknowledging the patient's sleep-wake cycle preference, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and accommodating individual variations in circadian rhythms for optimal patient care.