The nurse manager of a medical/surgical unit wants to improve the ...

[NguyenJ]

The nurse manager of a medical/surgical unit wants to improve the alertness of nurses who work the night shift. Which action will be the most helpful?
 
  a. Arrange for older staff members to work most night shifts.
  b. Provide a sleeping area for staff to use for napping at night.
  c. Post reminders about the relationship of sleep and alertness.
  d. Schedule nursing staff to rotate day and night shifts monthly.

Question 2

What teaching should be included in the plan of care for a patient with narcolepsy?
 
  a. Driving an automobile may be possible with appropriate treatment of narcolepsy.
  b. Changes in sleep hygiene are ineffective in improving sleep quality in narcolepsy.
  c. Antidepressant drugs are prescribed to treat the depression caused by the disorder.
  d. Stimulant drugs should be used for only a short time because of the risk for abuse.

[wtf444]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Short on-site naps will improve alertness. Rotating shifts causes the most disruption in sleep habits. Reminding staff members about the impact of lack of sleep on alertness will not improve sleep or alertness. It is not feasible to schedule nurses based on their ages.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The accident rate for patients with narcolepsy who are receiving appropriate treatment is similar to the general population. Stimulant medications are used on an ongoing basis for patients with narcolepsy. The purpose of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of narcolepsy is the management of cataplexy, not to treat depression. Changes in sleep hygiene are recommended for patients with narcolepsy to improve sleep quality.