(Solution) NURS 6630 Week 8 Assignment 2: Assessing and
Treating Patients with Sleep/Wake Disorders ( a 31-year-old
male who presents to the office with a chief complaint of
insomnia.)
Assessing and Treating Patients with Sleep/Wake Disorders
Course: NURS-6630- Psychopharmalogical Approaches to Treat Psychopathology
Week 8: Assignment 2
Walden University
, WEEK 8 ASSIGNMENT 2 2
Introduction
The provided case study is of 31 years old male who presented to the office with a chief
complaint of insomnia. Patient reported progressive worsening of his insomnia symptoms. It is
difficult for patient to fall asleep and to stay asleep at night. The symptoms started to appear
when the patient suffered from an emotional trauma (sudden loss of his fiancé). Patient is a
forklift operator at a local chemical company and insomnia is affecting his professional
performance. The patient used diphenhydramine but does not like the way it makes him feel the
morning after. Past medical history indicated opiate abuse which started when the patient was
prescribed hydrocodone/apap for pain management (as he broke his ankle in skiing accident).
However, patient has not received prescription for opiate analgesic in 4 years. Currently patient
is using alcohol (four beers prior to bed) to fall asleep. Patient is alert and future oriented. Patient
denied auditory and visual hallucinations. Reality contact, insight and judgment are all intact.
Patient denied suicidal/ homicidal ideation.
The pertinent positive information that will impact the decision making when prescribing
medication for this patient includes his past medical history (related to opiate abuse),
consumption of alcohol, complaining about sleep issues after suffering from emotional trauma
(sudden loss of his fiancé) and complaints regarding the after effect of diphenhydramine. It is
also important to consider the employment status of patient as insomnia has affected his
professional performance, therefore such medications would be recommended that can improve
his professional performance by improving his concentration and cognitive abilities.