Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been in holding in the emergency department for 24 hours. The nurse is concerned about the patient's experiencing sleep deprivation. Which action will be best for the nurse to take?

a. Expedite the process of obtaining a medical-surgical room for the patient.
b. Pull the curtains shut, dim the lights, and decrease the number of visitors.
c. Obtain an order for a hypnotic medication to help the patient sleep.
d. Ask everyone in the unit to try to be quiet so the patient can sleep.

Answer 1

The best action for the nurse to take concerning the patient experiencing sleep deprivation in the emergency department is to create a conducive sleep environment by pulling the curtains shut, dimming the lights, and minimizing the number of visitors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is concerned about the patient experiencing sleep deprivation while holding in the emergency department for 24 hours. The best action for the nurse to take would be b. Pull the curtains shut, dim the lights, and decrease the number of visitors. This approach is most directly aligned with improving the patient's sleep environment and sleep hygiene, which is the first step in addressing sleep issues according to the National Institute of Health. Creating a restful environment by minimizing disruptions and sensory stimuli can facilitate sleep without the immediate use of medications.

While expediting the process of obtaining a medical-surgical room for the patient or asking everyone in the unit to be quiet could be helpful, these actions may not be immediately achievable and don't necessarily provide a controlled environment for sleep. Obtaining an order for a hypnotic medication is more invasive and could be reserved for cases where other measures have failed. Moreover, before introducing hypnotics, it is crucial to ensure the appropriate evaluation and management of the underlying causes of sleep disruption.