Final answer:
The most therapeutic response to an older client's concern about disruptions in sleep is to normalize their experience, inquire about the impact on their daily life, and to potentially refer them for further evaluation or treatment, while offering lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a 70 year old client is reporting concerns about taking longer to fall asleep and waking up multiple times during the night, the most therapeutic nursing response would be: D. As we age, those kinds of problems seem more common. Does this disruption in your sleep cause you to be tired or irritable?
This response acknowledges the validity of the client's concern, normalizes their experience as a common issue related to aging, and seeks further information about the impact of the sleep disturbance on the client's daily life. A gentle approach to explore any additional symptoms or emotional effects can support proper evaluation and subsequent tailored advice or referral. It allows the nurse to address the client's concern while also assessing the need for a potential intervention or lifestyle adjustment to improve sleep quality.
Other recommendations include avoiding naps, keeping the bedroom temperature cool, and avoiding stimulants or heavy meals before bedtime. For chronic insomnia, seeking professional treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be more effective than over-the-counter sleep medications in the long term.