An 11-year-old boy in middle school is currently experiencing sleep-re

An 11-year-old boy in middle school is currently experiencing sleep-related fatigue during clas-ses. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the school nurse when counseling the child’s parents regarding this assessment?

1. “What are the child’s usual sleep patterns?”
2. “Establish bedtimes for the child, and withhold his allowance whenever those times are not adhered to.”
3. “We need to explore other health-related problems, because sleep problems are not likely the cause of his fatigue.”
4. “The bulbar synchronizing region of the child’s central nervous system is causing these insomniac problems.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
A school-age child will be tired the following day if allowed to stay up later than usual. The nurse should ask a question to assess the child’s usual sleep patterns. The nurse should first assess the child’s usual sleep pattern to determine if the child is adhering to a bedtime. A sleep problem is often the cause of fatigue.