Fundamentals of Nursing: Pain, Rest, Sleep, and Comfort

Introduction

• Presentation by Professor D.
• Focus on pain, rest, sleep, and comfort.
• Encouragement to like, subscribe, and follow on social media platforms.
• Availability of additional resources like podcasts and audio lessons on Nexus Nursing Institute.

Key Points

Sleep and NREM Sleep

• NREM Sleep (Non-Rapid Eye Movement): Critical for reducing excessive sleepiness.
• Linked Symptoms: Shortened NREM leads to excessive sleepiness and fatigue.

Pain Relief Methods

• Shortest-acting Pain Relief: IV narcotics (quickest onset but shortest duration).
• Alternative Methods: PCA (intermittent but lasting), IM sedatives, and regional anesthesia.

Bedtime Routines and Sleep

• Bedtime Routines: Important for training the brain to prepare for sleep (soft music, low lighting, reading, praying).
• Alcohol: It's a depressant and not a stimulant, but not encouraged for sleep aid.
• Sleep Needs: Change based on age, activity level, and health.
• Older Adults: Spend more time in bed but less time sleeping.

ICU Psychosis

• Risk for Disturbed Thought Process: Common in patients in ICU for extended periods, but reversible.

Internal Stimulus Interfering with Sleep

• Full Bladder: Most common internal stimulus that interferes with sleep, especially in older adults.
• Recommendation: Empty bladder before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Pain Location

• Pain Descriptions: Statements like “pain moves from my chest to my left arm” relate to pain location.

Psychological Responses to Pain

• Fear of Loss of Independence: Common psychological response to chronic pain.
• Other Factors: Developing drug tolerance (physiological), asking for pain medication (behavioral), and nausea (physiological).

Post-Operative Pain Management

• Administer Pain Medication: First action if a patient complains of pain post-operatively.

Narcolepsy

• Primary Intervention: Addressing risk for injury due to sudden sleep attacks.

GERD and Sleep Position

• Semi-Fowler’s Position: Recommended to prevent acid reflux during sleep.

Pain Assessment

• Patient's Statement: Whatever the patient says about their pain is valid (subjective measure).

Anxiety and Sleep

• Impact on Sleep: Anxiety primarily affects sleep onset.

Precipitating Factors for Pain

• Getting Dressed: Example of an activity that may precipitate pain.

Hospital Setting and Sleep

• Noise Limitation: Most critical intervention to support patient sleep.

Chronic Pain Management

• Preemptive Pain Management: Addressing pain before it becomes excessive is crucial.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to provide feedback and share content.
• Reminder of resources available for nursing students and new grads.
• Thanks to viewers for their time.