Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What should a nurse monitor to assess for sleep disturbances in clients with delirium?

1. Pulse rate

2. Respiratory rate

3. Sleep patterns

4. Weight changes

The correct answer is: Sleep patterns

Monitoring sleep patterns is essential when assessing for sleep disturbances in clients with delirium because disruptions in sleep are a common manifestation of this condition. Delirium often leads to altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and confusion, which can significantly impact a person's ability to sleep soundly. By tracking changes in sleep duration, quality, and cycles, nurses can determine the extent to which delirium may be affecting the client’s rest. Additionally, understanding these sleep patterns contributes to a more comprehensive view of the client’s overall mental and physical health, helping to guide interventions aimed at stabilizing their condition. In contrast, while monitoring pulse rate and respiratory rate can provide useful information regarding the client's general health status, they do not specifically reflect sleep disturbances. Weight changes, while important for overall health assessment, do not directly correlate with sleep quality or pattern disruptions in the context of delirium. Hence, assessing sleep patterns is the most relevant approach in this scenario.