Age Specific Populations Related

Review Age Specific Populations related questions and content

The wife of a client who is being seen in the sleep clinic states that her husband snores terribly at night and that she has to shake him to get him to stop. The client complains of a headache upon wakening and often falls asleep during the day when he sits for long periods. This client is exhibiting signs and symptoms characteristic of:

  • A. Narcolepsy.
  • B. Parasomnia.
  • C. Sleep apnea.
  • D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sleep apnea. This client is showing classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, including loud snoring, waking up with headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Snoring and the need for physical stimulation to stop snoring are common in sleep apnea. The headaches may be due to disrupted sleep patterns and oxygen deprivation. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a result of poor quality sleep.

Choice A (Narcolepsy) is incorrect because narcolepsy is characterized by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day, often accompanied by cataplexy and sleep paralysis, which are not mentioned in the scenario.

Choice B (Parasomnia) is incorrect because parasomnias involve abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors, which are not described in the scenario.

Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect because the symptoms described align with obstructive sleep apnea.