Question

A nurse assesses a client who reports waking up feeling very tired, even after 8 hours of good sleep. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Contact the provider for a prescription for sleep medication.
b.Tell the client not to drink beverages with caffeine before bed.
c. Educate the client to sleep upright in a reclining chair.
d. Ask the client if he or she has ever been evaluated for sleep apnea.

Answer 1

The nurse should first ask if the client has been evaluated for sleep apnea, as it can impact sleep quality. Improving sleep hygiene and evaluating lifestyle practices is critical before other interventions are considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action the nurse should take when a client reports waking up feeling very tired even after 8 hours of good sleep is to ask the client if he or she has ever been evaluated for sleep apnea. This condition can lead to poor quality sleep and the feeling of tiredness upon waking. It is important to assess sleep health and potential sleep disorders such as sleep apnea before considering interventions like prescribing sleep medication, advising on caffeine intake or suggesting sleeping positions or locations.

It is important to improve sleep hygiene, which includes analyzing bedtime routines, the sleeping environment, and behaviors that might be impacting the quality of sleep. For example, limiting exposure to stimulants such as caffeine, making sure the sleeping environment is conducive to sleep, and ensuring that substance abuse is not affecting sleep quality. Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy and changing lifestyle habits, like sticking to a sleep schedule, can be effective in managing sleep problems.