The nurse is aware that the new order for indomethacin (Indocin) involves the administration of a:.

Choice A rationale:

Indomethacin (Indocin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). It is commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, making it a suitable choice for pain management in conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries.

Choice B rationale:

Indomethacin is not typically categorized as an adjuvant analgesic. Adjuvant analgesics are medications that are not primarily designed for pain relief but may enhance the effects of analgesics when used in combination.

Choice C rationale:

Indomethacin is not a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 inhibitors are a specific class of NSAIDs that target the COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1. Indomethacin is a traditional NSAID that inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2.

Choice D rationale:

Indomethacin is not a narcotic analgesic. Narcotic analgesics, also known as opioids, are a separate class of medications used for the management of moderate to severe pain. Indomethacin does not belong to this class and has a different mechanism of action.

Choice A rationale:

Excessive NREM sleep does not cause periodic pauses in breathing. NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep consists of stages 1 through 4 and is characterized by a decrease in physiological activity, including a decrease in muscle tone. There is no direct association with breathing interruptions in NREM sleep.

Choice B rationale:

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but it does not involve periodic pauses in breathing. It is unrelated to the symptoms described in the question.

Choice C rationale:

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy). It is not associated with periodic pauses in breathing, as described in the question.

Choice D rationale:

Sleep apnea is the correct answer. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep. The patient may stop breathing for brief periods, then start breathing again. This pattern is consistent with the symptoms described in the question. Sleep apnea can have serious health implications and is important to recognize and address.