Chapter 13: Drugs Used for Sleep

The nurse is caring for an older patient recently admitted to an assisted living center who is experiencing insomnia associated with the recent relocation. At bedtime, which nursing action will assist the patient to sleep?

Performing back massage

For what conditions are benzodiazepines prescribed?

Preoperative sedation

.The nurse is administering Somnote to a patient. When providing medication education to the patient, the nurse will include that Somnote should be

taken with a full glass of water.

.Why are benzodiazepines often preferred over barbiturates? (Select all that apply.)

They have selective action at specific receptor sites. There is a wide range of safety between therapeutic and lethal levels. REM sleep is decreased to a lesser extent. Accidental overdoses are well tolerated.

Which disease is associated with insufficient sleep?

Myocardial infarction

Which sleep pattern stage diminishes as an effect of aging?

Stage IV

.The nurse is assessing a patient who is being evaluated in an outpatient clinic for complaints of back pain. The patient reports taking diphenhydramine for insomnia related to job stress. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding this medication?

"This medication should only be taken for 1 week."

.When reviewing a patient's history and physical information, the nurse notes that the patient has physician's orders for chloral hydrate and warfarin. During assessment of this patient, the nurse observes areas of petechiae and ecchymosis on the upper and lower extremities. The most appropriate lab work for the nurse to assess next is

prothrombin time.

In addition to facilitating sleep, what is another benefit of sedatives?

Decreased patient anxiety

An older adult patient received a hypnotic agent at 9:00 PM. At 2:00 AM, the nurse discovers that the patient has removed her gown and is attempting to get out of bed without assistance. What type of medication effect is the patient exhibiting?

Paradoxical

Which two phases make up normal sleep?

Rapid eye movement (REM) and non REM

The nurse finds that a patient is extremely agitated, yells frequently, and is attempting to get out of bed without assistance. What is the nurse's initial action?

Spend uninterrupted time listening to the patient.

What can occur as a result of rapid withdrawal from long-term use of barbiturate therapy? (Select all that apply.)

Anxiety Delirium Weakness Grand mal seizures

A patient has been prescribed lorazepam (Ativan), a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. Which action will the nurse take?

Assess the patient's blood pressure in sitting and lying positions.

.The nurse is explaining the use of medications to a patient with insomnia. Which statement about sedatives is true?

Increased relaxation occurs with sedatives.

The nurse is assessing a patient prior to discharge from same day surgery following an incisional breast biopsy. When assessing the patient's central nervous system (CNS) function following sedative-hypnotic therapy, what will the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Level of alertness Orientation Ability to perform motor functions

A patient receiving diazepam (Valium) is complaining of nausea and vomiting and is becoming jaundiced. Which type of blood work will be performed?

Liver function tests

.Barbiturates have which common adverse effect(s)? (Select all that apply.)

Residual daytime sedation Headache Impaired coordination Blurred vision