The nursing team is developing a care plan for an older adult resident in an extended care facility who reports frequent nighttime awakenings and daytime fatigue. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote healthy sleep patterns for this resident?
- Encourage participation in light daytime physical activities and restrict afternoon napping.Answer
- BReassure the resident that frequent nighttime awakenings are a normal, expected part of the aging process.
- CAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel to perform a comprehensive assessment of the resident's sleep patterns.
- DObtain a prescription for a nightly sedative to manage the awakenings before attempting behavioral interventions.
Answer
The most appropriate action is to encourage daytime physical activity and limit afternoon naps to naturally promote a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Encouraging physical activity during the day and restricting late naps are core non-pharmacological comfort measures. These actions help regulate the body's natural circadian rhythm, increasing the physiological drive for sleep at night without introducing the risks associated with medications.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Non-pharmacological sleep promotion and comfort measures