Collaborative Practice by Yoost & Crawford
Chapter 33: Sleep
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The nurse identifies what physiological response occurs with the onset of darkness
and in preparation for sleep?
A. Cortisol levels peak
B. Cortisol levels increase
C. Core body temperature increases
D. Melatonin levels increase
Answer: D
Explanation: Melatonin production increases in response to darkness, promoting sleep readiness,
while cortisol levels and core body temperature decrease.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A and B are incorrect because cortisol peaks in the morning. C is
incorrect as core temperature drops during sleep preparation.
2. The nurse recognizes what function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?
A. Records brain waves and other variables.
B. Relays motor impulses to the hypothalamus.
C. Influences patterns of biological functioning.
D. Is affected by the light-dark cycle.
Answer: B
Explanation: The RAS relays motor impulses to the thalamus and cerebral cortex, coordinating
wakefulness. Polysomnography records brain waves (A), while circadian rhythms (C/D) regulate
biological cycles.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A describes polysomnography. C and D refer to circadian
rhythms, not RAS function.
3. The nurse is educating a patient about avoiding circadian rhythm disruption. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I know the circadian rhythm influences biological functions."
B. "I know the circadian rhythm exists only in humans."
, C. "I know the sleep-wake cycle is impacted by light-dark cycles."
D. "The most familiar circadian rhythm is the 24-hour day-night cycle."
Answer: B
Explanation: Circadian rhythms exist in plants, animals, and humans, regulating biological
processes universally.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, C, and D are accurate statements about circadian rhythms.
4. The nurse teaches the patient what information about polysomnography?
A. This is the recording of brain waves and other variables.
B. This is the relay of motor impulses to the hypothalamus.
C. This is the pattern of biological functioning.
D. This is the recording of seizure activity in the brain.
Answer: A
Explanation: Polysomnography records brain waves, muscle activity, and eye movements during
sleep to diagnose sleep disorders.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B describes RAS function. C refers to circadian rhythms. D
describes an EEG.
5. The nurse identifies which sequence to be the usual progression of sleep?
A. NREM 1-3 then REM, then back through NREM 1 and 2.
B. REM then NREM 1-4, then back through NREM 2 and 3.
C. NREM 1-3 then back through NREM 3 and 2 then REM.
D. REM then NREM 1-4 then back through NREM 3.
Answer: C
Explanation: Sleep typically progresses through NREM stages 1-3, reverts to NREM 2, then
enters REM. NREM stage 4 does not exist.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A and B incorrectly include NREM 4. D reverses the sequence.
6. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to parents of a toddler about sleeping
habits. Which statement indicates further education is needed?
A. "Sleep needs may change during growth spurts."
B. "Children sleep 12 hours a day."