The nurse is assessing a client with a history of heavy drinking who lost a spouse to cancer last year. The client reports receiving less sleep than when the client was younger. Which question would be most appropriate to ask the client to determine if the change in his sleep pattern is related to normal aging or depression?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Older adult clients often sleep less than they did when they were younger. However, insomnia, the inability to fall or remain asleep throughout the night, may be indicative of depression. Asking the client why he continues to drink alcohol is inappropriate and provides no information about the client's sleep patterns. Asking the client what used to help achieve sleep would be appropriate later to determine the best methods for promoting enhanced sleep.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client with a History of Heavy