A blind client reports that they are having difficulty with sleep that is affecting their daytime activities. Which of the following will the nurse include in her plan of care for the client?
A.
Referral to a sleep study program
B.
Assisting client to see if a night shift job is available
C.
Institution of opioids and sedatives
D.
Education about non-24 disorder
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Referral to a sleep study program.
Explanation
For a blind client experiencing difficulties with sleep that impact daytime activities, a referral to a sleep study program is a prudent course of action. This approach allows for a thorough evaluation of the client’s sleep patterns and the identification of potential sleep disorders that may be contributing to their problems.
Blind individuals are at risk of sleep disturbances due to the absence of natural light cues that help regulate the circadian rhythm. Without light, which serves as a primary zeitgeber (a factor that helps set the body’s internal clock), their sleep-wake cycle can become misaligned. This misalignment can lead to various sleep disorders, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (Non-24), where the individual’s internal clock does not synchronize with the 24-hour day.
A sleep study, or polysomnography, can help diagnose sleep disorders by monitoring various physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and movement. For blind clients, the results can provide insights into how their sleep cycle differs from the norm and inform tailored interventions.
Options B, C, and D are less appropriate for the following reasons:
- B. Assisting client to see if a night shift job is available: Changing work hours may not address the root cause of the sleep disturbance and could potentially exacerbate the problem if it disrupts the client’s circadian rhythm further.
- C. Institution of opioids and sedatives: This approach is not suitable as a first-line treatment for sleep issues. Opioids and sedatives can lead to dependency and have significant side effects. Additionally, they do not address the underlying circadian rhythm issues that are likely affecting the client.
- D. Education about non-24 disorder: While educating the client about non-24 disorder is valuable, it should follow a comprehensive assessment. Education alone does not provide a diagnostic evaluation or a tailored treatment plan.
In summary, a referral to a sleep study program is the most effective initial step to diagnose and address the specific sleep issues faced by the blind client.