Question

Which nursing observation of the patient in intensive care indicates the patient is sleeping comfortably during NREM sleep?

a. Eyes closed, lying quietly, respirations 12, heart rate 60
b. Eyes closed, tossing in bed, respirations 18, heart rate 80
c. Eyes closed, mumbling to self, respirations 16, heart rate 68
d. Eyes closed, lying supine in bed, respirations 22, heart rate 66

Answer 1

A patient with eyes closed, lying quietly, respirations at 12, and heart rate at 60 demonstrates comfortable NREM sleep.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing observation that indicates a patient is sleeping comfortably during NREM sleep is when the patient has their eyes closed, is lying quietly, has respirations of 12, and a heart rate of 60. These signs correspond to NREM stage 3 sleep, often referred to as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep, which is characterized by low frequency, high amplitude delta waves. During this stage, both heart rate and respiration slow dramatically, and it is difficult to awaken someone.