The nurse is completing an assessment of the client’s sleep patterns.

The nurse is completing an assessment of the client’s sleep patterns. A specific question that the nurse should ask to determine the potential presence of sleep apnea is:

1. “How easily do you fall asleep?”
2. “Do you have vivid, lifelike dreams?”
3. “Do you ever experience loss of muscle control or falling?”
4. “Do you snore loudly or experience headaches?”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
To assess for sleep apnea (unlike assessing for narcolepsy or insomnia), the nurse may ask, “Do you snore loudly?” and “Do you experience headaches after awakening?” A positive response may indicate the client experiences sleep apnea.