Sleep Basics
What is the body's internal 24-hour clock that controls sleep and wakefulness?
Circadian rhythm
What sleep disorder involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
Insomnia
What stage of sexual development is characterized by increased peer influence, identity exploration, and interest in relationships?
Adolescence
What contraceptive method helps reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Condoms
What is one environmental change a nurse can make to promote sleep in the hospital?
Reduce noise, dim the lights, and cluster care.
If a patient is unable to fall asleep, after approximately how many minutes should the nurse encourage them to get out of bed and engage in a relaxing activity?
What sleep disorder involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep?
Sleep apnea
True or False: Sexuality and the need for intimacy disappear in older adulthood.
FALSE.
What permanent male contraceptive procedure involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens?
Vasectomy
A patient reports difficulty sleeping at night. What should the nurse assess to help identify the cause?
The patient's usual sleep habits, pain, medications, stress, and environmental factors.
Name one common effect of sleep deprivation.
Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, or impaired judgment
What sleep disorder causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks?
Narcolepsy
Besides hormonal changes, what are two factors that can affect sexual functioning during middle adulthood?
Chronic illnesses and medications
True or False: A person can have an STI without experiencing symptoms.
TRUE
A patient receives a prescribed sleep medication before bedtime. What is one important nursing safety intervention?
Implement fall precautions and assist the patient when getting out of bed.
What is one common habit that can interfere with sleep?
Late caffeine use, screen time before bed, or long daytime naps
What sleep disorder is characterized by unusual behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, or nightmares?
Parasomnias
What should nurses teach parents about normal sexual curiosity in young children?
Age-appropriate curiosity is normal; parents should teach privacy and personal boundaries.
How can chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension affect sexual functioning?
They can affect circulation, nerve function, and sexual response.
A patient reports sexual dysfunction after starting a new medication. What should the nurse include in patient education?
Do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting the healthcare provider. Discuss possible side effects and alternative treatments. (Abruptly stopping meds can be harmful to patient)
How can inadequate sleep affect a patient's recovery from illness or surgery?
It can weaken immune function, delay healing, and impair physical and cognitive functioning.
What is the term for a sudden loss of muscle tone that may occur in patients with narcolepsy?
Cataplexy
A middle-aged woman reports vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. What age-related change may be contributing to these symptoms?
Decreased estrogen levels associated with menopause.
Name two classes of medications that may interfere with sexual functioning.
Antihypertensives and antidepressants.
An older adult reports a new sexual partner but no STI symptoms. What should the nurse recommend?
Discuss appropriate STI screening and consistent condom use.