Question

A client shares with the nurse that "My wife complains about my snoring, and I never feel rested." Which of the following responses best attempts to explain the cause of the problem to the client?

A. Sleep disturbances can really affect all aspects of your life. How long have you been experiencing this problem?
B. You need to get help to breathe more effortlessly at night so both you and your wife can get sufficient deep stage sleep.
C. Something is interfering with your ability to breathe while you are asleep. Have you talked to your health care provider about the problem?
D. Your upper airway is blocked, and that is making it difficult for you to breathe effectively, so you are spending most of the night in the light sleep stage.

Answer 1

The problem described by the client is likely sleep apnea, a disorder causing disruptions in breathing during sleep and leading to daytime fatigue. A healthcare provider can diagnose this through a sleep study and suggest treatments like CPAP use or lifestyle changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's complaint that his wife is bothered by his snoring and that he never feels rested might be indicative of a condition known as sleep apnea. This disorder is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, typically due to an obstruction of the airway. When such pauses occur, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, causing the person to partially wake and resume breathing, which frequently disrupts sleep. The client's upper airway might be blocked, which would make it difficult to breathe effectively, leading to predominantly light sleep stages rather than deeper, restful ones. It is recommended that individuals with such symptoms discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider, who may suggest a sleep study for diagnosis. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, the use of a CPAP machine, and in some cases, supplemental oxygen.