Author Question: An older adult widow reports having problems sleeping at night and states, I miss my spouse. The ... (Read 66 times)

dollx · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

An older adult widow reports having problems sleeping at night and states, I miss my spouse. The nurse also recognizes that older patients:

a. are difficult to assess.
b. take less time to fall asleep.
c. may suffer from emotional stress or depressive mood problems.
d. require less sleep than middle-age adults.

Question 2

A nurse has worked in a variety of nursing areas and would like to find a unit within the hospital that mirrors the nurse's own professional values.

The best way for the nurse to find a unit that would be a good fit is for the nurse to examine which document? a. Hospital mission statement
b. Unit policies and procedures
c. Unit philosophy of care
d. Hospital vision statement

FergA · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
The elderly frequently experience losses, such as retirement and death of a loved one, which may lead to emotional stress or depressive mood problems that affect sleep efficacy. Older adults have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep than do young adults. Sleep studies on older adults show a decline in REM sleep and an increase in nighttime awakenings. It is a common misconception that sleep needs decrease with aging. Older adults still need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day, just like middle-aged adults. Older adults are not more difficult to assess.

Answer to Question 2

C
A philosophy of care incorporates the professional nursing staff's values and concerns for the way that they view and care for patients. For example, a philosophy addresses the nursing unit's purpose, how staff will work with patients and families, and the standards of care for the work unit. A philosophy is a vision for how to practice nursing. A hospital's mission statement and/or philosophy are for the entire hospital, not just the specific nursing unit. Unit policies and procedures will not give the nurse a good idea about the unit's values and beliefs.