A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I have been having trouble sleeping for the last several months." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Indicates potential Improvement a. Hygiene b. Food intake c. Rapid change in mood

Indicates potential worsening a. Giving away car b. Condition of skin on right hand

Choice A: Giving away car

This could be a sign of the client’s worsening condition. Giving away possessions can sometimes be a sign of suicidal ideation. It’s important to monitor this behavior and report it to the healthcare provider.

Choice B: Hygiene

The client showered without prompting on the third day, which is an improvement from the first day when they declined to shower. Improved personal hygiene can be a sign of improvement in a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Choice C: Food intake

The client ate 75% of their meals on the third day, which is an improvement from the first day when they refused to eat. Increased food intake can indicate an improvement in the client’s condition2.

Choice D: Condition of skin on right hand

The client’s hands remain reddened with a 1 cm x 1 cm area of peeling skin noted on the center of the right palm. This could indicate a worsening condition, as it may be a result of excessive handwashing, a common compulsion in OCD.

Choice E: Rapid change in mood

The client’s affect rapidly changed throughout the afternoon and early evening; the client is now talkative and appears content. This could indicate an improvement in the client’s condition, as they are engaging more with others and showing more positive emotions.

Choice A reason: Engaging in stressful activities before bedtime can increase alertness and make it difficult to fall asleep. The nurse's recommendation to avoid stress before sleep is in line with good sleep hygiene practices that promote relaxation and readiness for sleep.

Choice B reason: Exercising too close to bedtime can be stimulating and may hinder the ability to fall asleep. It is generally recommended to finish exercising at least 3 hours before bedtime to allow the body to wind down.

Choice C reason: Taking long naps, especially in the afternoon, can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns. For individuals with insomnia, it is better to avoid naps or limit them to early in the day and for short durations.

Choice D reason: Watching television in bed can negatively impact sleep due to the light from the screen and the content, which can be stimulating. It is recommended to keep the bedroom environment conducive to sleep, which means no screens before bedtime.