The 70-year-old client tells the nurse, "I can go to sleep without a problem, but then I wake up in a couple of hours and can't go back to sleep." What nursing action would help promote rest and sleep in this client?

Question

1. Have the client develop a bedtime ritual of quiet music and a glass of wine.
2. Encourage the client to avoid taking pain medication prior to sleep.
3. Evaluate if the client perceives sleeplessness to be a serious problem.
4. Have the client perform moderate exercises before bedtime.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Alcohol can interfere with sleep.
Rationale 2: If the client has pain, the nurse should not encourage avoidance of medication.
Rationale 3: The first intervention is to determine what the pattern of sleeplessness means to the client. Many older clients will "nap" off and on through the day and night and spend wakeful times engaged in activity, even if the active times are not during traditional active hours.
Rationale 4: Exercise can interfere with sleep.