Question

The patient has just been diagnosed with narcolepsy. The nurse teaches the patient about management of the condition. Which information from the patient will cause the nurse to intervene?

a. Takes antidepressant medications
b. Naps shorter than 20 minutes
c. Sits in hot, stuffy rooms
d. Chews gum

Answer 1

The information prompting nurse intervention is the patient's habit of sitting in hot, stuffy rooms, which could trigger narcoleptic episodes. Antidepressant medications, shorter naps, and chewing gum are typically not concerning for narcolepsy management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The information that would cause the nurse to intervene is that the patient sits in hot, stuffy rooms. People with narcolepsy may experience sleep attacks triggered by states of heightened arousal or stress, and sitting in a hot, stuffy room can lead to discomfort and potentially trigger a narcoleptic episode. On the other hand, taking antidepressant medications, having naps shorter than 20 minutes, and chewing gum are generally not associated with worsening narcolepsy symptoms. In fact, antidepressants can be used in conjunction with stimulant medications to manage narcolepsy symptoms effectively, as they can help regulate sleep cycles and suppress REM sleep-related symptoms like cataplexy.