Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Preschooler and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Preschooler and Family related questions and content

A child age 4 1/2 years sometimes wakes her parents up at night screaming, thrashing, sweating, and apparently frightened, yet she is not aware of her parents presence when they check on her. She lies down and sleeps without any parental intervention. This is most likely what?

  • A. Nightmare
  • B. Sleep terror
  • C. Sleep apnea
  • D. Seizure activity
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: This is a description of a sleep terror. The child is observed during the episode and not disturbed unless there is a possibility of injury. A child who awakes from a nightmare is distressed. She is aware of and reassured by the parents presence. This is not the case with sleep apnea. This behavior is not indicative of seizure activity.