Chapter 43 Sleep Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationale

1. A nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient who reports difficulty sleeping. Which intervention best promotes sleep? A. Administering a sedative-hypnotic at bedtime B. Offering a warm caffeinated beverage before sleep C. Reducing noise and dimming the lights in the room D. Encouraging exercise immediately before bedtime Correct Answer: C Rationale: A quiet, dark environment promotes melatonin release and supports restful sleep. Sedatives may disrupt sleep architecture. ________________________________________ 2. Which statement made by a patient indicates a need for further teaching about sleep hygiene? A. “I go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.” B. “I watch TV in bed until I fall asleep.” C. “I avoid caffeine after 4 p.m.” D. “I keep my bedroom cool and dark.” Correct Answer: B Rationale: Watching TV in bed can interfere with the association between bed and sleep, reducing sleep quality. ________________________________________ 3. The nurse recognizes which individual as being most at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? A. A 45-year-old female with anemia B. A 32-year-old athlete with low BMI C. A 50-year-old male who is obese and snores D. A 25-year-old student with insomnia Correct Answer: C Rationale: Risk factors for OSA include obesity, male gender, and loud snoring. It involves periodic cessation of breathing during sleep. ________________________________________ 4. A patient with narcolepsy is prescribed modafinil. What is the expected outcome of this medication? A. Induces sedation B. Prevents sleep paralysis C. Improves nighttime sleep D. Promotes daytime alertness Correct Answer: D Rationale: Modafinil is a stimulant used to promote wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy. ________________________________________ 5. Which sleep stage is most restorative for physical healing and growth? A. REM sleep B. N1 sleep C. N2 sleep D. N3 sleep Correct Answer: D Rationale: N3 is the deepest stage of non-REM sleep and is critical for physical restoration and growth hormone release. ________________________________________ 6. What is the primary reason older adults experience lighter sleep and frequent awakenings? A. Increased REM sleep B. Decreased melatonin production C. Longer circadian rhythms D. Increased activity during the day Correct Answer: B Rationale: Aging is associated with decreased melatonin, which disrupts sleep-wake cycles and contributes to fragmented sleep. ________________________________________ 7. What is the best nursing intervention for a patient experiencing insomnia related to stress? A. Administering a benzodiazepine B. Teaching relaxation techniques before bed C. Recommending daytime naps D. Encouraging intake of herbal supplements Correct Answer: B Rationale: Nonpharmacologic interventions such as relaxation techniques are first-line treatment for stress-induced insomnia. ________________________________________ 8. A patient reports waking up frequently at night and feeling tired during the day. Which question should the nurse ask first? A. “Do you take naps during the day?” B. “How many hours do you sleep each night?” C. “Do you consume alcohol or caffeine before bed?” D. “What time do you usually go to bed?” Correct Answer: C Rationale: Alcohol and caffeine intake are common causes of fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue. ________________________________________ 9. Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle? A. Cortisol B. Insulin C. Melatonin D. Serotonin Correct Answer: C Rationale: Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness and helps regulate circadian rhythms.