You are working with a client who has many of the symptoms of cataplexy. Which of the following questions would you ask this client about her experience, which she describes as a "collapsing spell," to determine if it was cataplexy?
a. "Did you stop breathing?"
b. "Were you aware of your surroundings?"
c. "Would you describe it as a blackout?"
d. "Did other people witness the event?"
B
To determine if the client has cataplexy, the nurse should ask the client if he or she was aware of his or her surroundings during one of the collapsing spells. Cataplexy is defined as the sudden loss of muscle power at times of sudden emotion, often laughter or fear. These persons may drop things or even fall to the ground, but unlike a simple faint, they never lose consciousness during a cataleptic episode.
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