A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic insomnia. Which question would address the highest safety priority for the client?

Choice A Reason:

Asking “When did you begin to have trouble sleeping?” is important for understanding the onset and duration of the client’s insomnia. However, it does not directly address immediate safety concerns. Chronic insomnia can lead to significant daytime impairment, but the question about the onset of sleep troubles does not identify specific safety risks.

Choice B Reason:

Inquiring about specific factors affecting the client’s ability to sleep can help identify potential causes of insomnia, such as stress, environmental factors, or medical conditions. While this information is valuable for treatment planning, it does not directly address immediate safety concerns.

Choice C Reason:

Asking “Do you have difficulty staying awake when you are driving?” addresses the highest safety priority. Chronic insomnia can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, which significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially while driving. Identifying whether the client is at risk of falling asleep during potentially dangerous activities is crucial for immediate safety.

Choice D Reason:

Understanding the client’s bedtime routine can provide insights into their sleep hygiene and habits, which are important for managing insomnia. However, this question does not directly address immediate safety concerns related to daytime functioning and the risk of accidents.

Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their decisions. These documents typically include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. The living will specifies the types of medical treatment a person wishes to receive or avoid, while the durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

Choice A Reason:

“I will get my regular doctor to approve my plan before I hand it in to the hospital.”

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the purpose of advance directives. While it is important to discuss your advance directives with your healthcare provider, the primary purpose of these documents is to communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment, not to seek approval from your doctor. The advance directive is a personal document that reflects your values and preferences for medical care.

Choice B Reason:

“I know they won’t go ahead with the surgery unless I prepare these forms.”

This statement also reflects a misunderstanding. While having advance directives in place is highly recommended, it is not typically a prerequisite for undergoing surgery. Advance directives are important for ensuring that your medical wishes are respected, but they are not mandatory for surgical procedures. The focus should be on making sure your wishes are known and documented, rather than on the necessity of the forms for surgery.

Choice C Reason:

“I plan to write that I do not want them to keep me on a breathing machine.”

This statement correctly reflects the purpose of an advance directive. It shows that the patient understands that they can specify their preferences for medical treatment, such as whether or not they want to be kept on a breathing machine. This type of instruction is a common component of a living will, which is part of an advance directive. It ensures that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.

Choice D Reason:

“I would rather have my brother make decisions for me, but I know he has to be my wife.”

This statement is incorrect and confusing. It seems to mix up the roles of different individuals. In an advance directive, you can designate a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare, who can be any trusted person, not necessarily a spouse. The statement also contains a factual error, as it implies that the brother must be the patient’s wife, which is not possible. The correct understanding is that you can choose any trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.