Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is an acceptable intervention for a young patient who is not sleeping after a transfer to the PCU?

1. Establish a quiet environment

2. Work with the patient to restore normal sleep patterns

3. Provide sleep medication

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

In the context of caring for a young patient who is experiencing difficulties sleeping after being transferred to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), a multifaceted approach is essential. Each of the interventions presented plays a vital role in addressing the patient's sleep issues. Creating a quiet environment is fundamental to promoting better sleep. Noise can be a significant disruptor, especially in a healthcare setting, where various alarms, conversations, and equipment can interfere with a patient's ability to rest. A calm and peaceful atmosphere can help lower stress and facilitate a more conducive environment for sleep. Working collaboratively with the patient to restore normal sleep patterns is critical as well. Engaging the patient in discussions about their usual sleep habits and preferences allows for personalized interventions. This could involve educating the patient on sleep hygiene practices or helping them establish a routine that signals to their body that it's time to rest. Providing sleep medication may be appropriate in some cases where non-pharmacological approaches are insufficient, but it should generally be considered after evaluating the patient's overall condition and possible contraindications. This option can be part of a broader strategy if a patient's lack of sleep is causing significant distress or impacting their recovery. Taking all the above interventions together recognizes the complexity of sleep challenges in the PCU setting. Each strategy complements the