A young mother has been hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).The night nurse comes in to see the patient awake.What would be the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessment is the first step of the nursing process; therefore assessment needs to be done first and involves ascertaining the cause of the patient's inability to sleep.Patients who are admitted to the hospital for uncertain diagnoses can be stressed and worried about the testing and outcomes.In addition,a young mother can be worried about the care of the children and those caring for the children.This uncertainty and change in routine can cause difficulty in resting or falling asleep.Take the time to talk with the patient to determine the cause of the inability to sleep.A distraction such as a television may or may not work for the patient.After assessment is completed,a sedative may or may not be in order.Telling the patient that it is late and time to go to sleep is not a therapeutic response for an adult who is under stress.

A Young Mother Has Been Hospitalized for an Irregular Heartbeat