A client is diagnosed with narcolepsy. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A.
Encourage the client to stop drinking caffeine after 6 pm.
B.
Inform the client to drink two cups of regular coffee.
C.
Encourage the client to participate in normal activities.
D.
Inform the client that driving would be dangerous.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. Inform the client that driving would be dangerous.
Explanation:
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and in some cases, cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions). These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and safety. Among the various interventions and lifestyle modifications that are important for managing narcolepsy, ensuring the client’s safety, particularly in activities like driving, is of paramount importance.
Driving Safety: One of the most critical concerns for individuals with narcolepsy is the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, which poses a severe risk to their safety and that of others on the road. Narcolepsy can lead to sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep, which can occur without warning. This makes driving particularly dangerous. It is essential for the nurse to educate the client about this risk and advise them to avoid driving until their condition is well managed and they have consulted with their healthcare provider about their ability to drive safely.
Caffeine and Activities: While managing caffeine intake (Option A) and encouraging participation in normal activities (Option C) are also important aspects of narcolepsy management, they do not address the immediate and critical safety issues associated with the disorder as directly as driving safety does. Reducing caffeine intake can help improve sleep quality, and staying active can help manage symptoms, but these measures are secondary to ensuring that the client is aware of and mitigates the risks associated with potentially dangerous activities like driving.
Caffeine Intake: Drinking coffee or caffeine (Option B) is generally not recommended as a primary intervention for narcolepsy. While caffeine might temporarily increase alertness, it can also disrupt sleep patterns and is not a substitute for proper management of the condition.
Overall, the priority intervention for a nurse dealing with a client diagnosed with narcolepsy is to address safety concerns, with driving being a primary focus due to its potential for severe consequences.