What is a typical parasomnia?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and sleep disorders, understanding parasomnias is crucial. A parasomnia is a type of sleep disorder characterized by abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep. In this case, the correct answer is D) Sleep terrors. Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are a type of parasomnia where the individual experiences intense fear or terror during sleep, often accompanied by screaming or thrashing. This is different from nightmares, which occur during REM sleep. Option A) Cataplexy is not a parasomnia but a symptom of narcolepsy, involving sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions. Option B) Hypopnea refers to shallow breathing during sleep and is a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, not a parasomnia. Option C) Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, also not classified as a parasomnia. Educationally, recognizing different sleep disorders, including parasomnias, is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in pharmacology when considering treatment options that may impact sleep patterns. Understanding the distinction between parasomnias and other sleep disorders helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies for patients experiencing these conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the correct order of events is as follows: 1) Narrowing of air passages with muscle relaxation during sleep (Option B) 2) Apnea lasting 10 to 90 seconds (Option C) 3) Brief arousal and airway opened (Option D) 4) Sleep just before going to work (Option A) The correct answer, Option C, is the first event because in OSA, the air passages become narrowed due to relaxation of the muscles during sleep. This narrowing leads to apnea, where breathing stops for a period of time, typically 10 to 90 seconds. Following this, the body briefly arouses itself to reopen the airway and resume breathing. Option B is incorrect as it occurs before the apnea in the sequence of events. Option D is also incorrect as it follows the apnea and arousal. Option A is the last event in the sequence as it indicates the patient's sleep just before going to work, which would occur after the cycle of apnea and arousal. Understanding the sequence of events in OSA is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and manage this condition effectively. Educating students on these events helps them comprehend the pathophysiology of OSA and how it impacts patient health and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding how drugs can impact nerve transmission is crucial. The correct answer is A) The transmission may be interrupted by drugs such as local anesthetics. Local anesthetics work by blocking sodium channels, which are essential for the propagation of action potentials along nerve fibers. By inhibiting these channels, local anesthetics prevent the transmission of pain signals along peripheral nerves to the spinal cord, effectively blocking pain sensation. Option B) Nothing can stop the action potential along an intact nerve until it reaches the spinal cord is incorrect because we know that drugs like local anesthetics can indeed interfere with nerve transmission. Option C) The action potential must cross several synapses, points at which the impulse may be blocked by drugs is incorrect because local anesthetics primarily act at the level of the nerve fiber itself, not at synapses. Option D) The nerve fiber produces neurotransmitters that may activate nearby nerve fibers to transmit pain impulses is incorrect because local anesthetics do not target neurotransmitters but rather the conduction of action potentials along the nerve fiber. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of understanding how specific pharmacological agents, such as local anesthetics, can selectively target and interrupt the transmission of nerve impulses, providing effective pain management in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition characterized by severe burning and shooting pain along the trigeminal nerve. It is a type of neuropathic pain that typically requires long-term treatment due to its chronic nature. The pain in trigeminal neuralgia is often refractory to traditional analgesics like NSAIDs and opioids, making long-term management essential. Adjuvant analgesics may be used in combination with other medications to help manage neuropathic pain, but they are not the primary treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Small to moderate doses of oral opioids are generally not effective in managing neuropathic pain like trigeminal neuralgia. Salicylates and NSAIDs are typically not effective in controlling neuropathic pain and are not recommended for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the unique characteristics of neuropathic pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and the appropriate pharmacological management strategies. By recognizing the chronic nature of trigeminal neuralgia and the limitations of traditional analgesics, nurses can advocate for effective long-term treatment plans for patients experiencing this debilitating condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action to include in the plan of care is to assess the patient's pain relief frequently (Option B). Rationale for B: Assessing the patient's pain relief frequently is crucial when a patient is receiving a continuous infusion of morphine via an epidural catheter. This is important to ensure that the pain is adequately controlled and to monitor for any signs of inadequate pain relief or potential complications related to the medication. Rationale for A, C, and D: Option A: Labeling the catheter as an epidural access is important but is not directly related to the immediate care of the patient or ensuring proper pain management. Option C: Using sterile technique when caring for the catheter is a standard practice in any medical procedure but does not directly impact the assessment of pain relief in this context. Option D: Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness (LOC) is important in general patient care but is not as directly related to assessing the effectiveness of pain relief in this specific situation. Educational Context: Understanding the rationale behind the correct action emphasizes the importance of pain assessment in patients receiving opioid medications like morphine. Regular pain assessment is essential for effective pain management and patient comfort, especially in the postoperative period. It also highlights the need for nurses to prioritize pain management interventions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.