A relative complains that an older adult patient takes frequent naps late in the day and awakens frequently during the night and wants to know if this is normal.
The nurse explains that an older adult:.

Choice A rationale:

Keeping bright lights on in the room is not conducive to relaxation. Bright lights can be stimulating and may increase stress, which is counterproductive when trying to manage pain through relaxation techniques.

Choice B rationale:

Using relaxation techniques as a way to wake up in the morning is not the intended purpose of these techniques. Relaxation techniques are typically used to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, especially when one is trying to rest or sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups, starting with the toes and feet, is a common method for progressive muscle relaxation. This technique can help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. It is an effective approach to pain management.

Choice D rationale:

Trying to tense and relax all of the muscles of the body at the same time may be difficult for most individuals and is not a commonly recommended relaxation technique. It can be challenging to achieve the level of focus and control required for this method, and it may not be as effective as focusing on individual muscle groups.

Choice A rationale:

Taking a warm bath before trying to go back to sleep is a relaxation technique that may help with sleep but does not address the underlying causes of insomnia. It is more of a short-term coping strategy rather than a method for locating the reasons for the insomnia.

Choice B rationale:

Reviewing times in her life when she had no insomnia is not a practical approach to addressing the current issue of insomnia. It does not help in identifying the specific factors or triggers contributing to the patient's current sleep problems.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping a diary related to sleep and problems encountered is a practical and effective approach to identify the factors contributing to the patient's insomnia. This diary can help track patterns, such as bedtime routines, diet, stressors, and other variables that may be linked to the sleep problem. Identifying these factors can aid in developing a plan to address the specific causes of the insomnia.

Choice D rationale:

Discussing the problem with her friends may provide emotional support but is unlikely to help identify the root causes of the insomnia. Friends may offer advice or share their experiences, but a structured approach like keeping a sleep diary is more likely to yield valuable information.