The Nurse Would Question the Order for a Sedative for a Patient

question 16

Multiple Choice

The nurse would question the order for a sedative for a patient with which of the following diagnoses?

• A) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• B) Any form of dementia
• C) Hypertension
• D) Sleep apnea

---

Definitions:

Absolute Refractory Period

The period immediately following the firing of a nerve fiber when it cannot be stimulated to fire again, no matter how strong the incoming signal.

Action Potential

A momentary change in electrical potential on the surface of a neuron that occurs when it is stimulated and is capable of transmitting a signal along the neuron.

Millivolts

A unit of electric potential equal to one thousandth of a volt.

Relative Refractory Period

A phase following immediate action where a neuron is less responsive to stimulation and requires a stronger than normal impulse to activate.