A 45-year-old client presents to the clinic for complaints of increased somnolence (extreme sleepfulness) related to shift work. The shifts involve the client working from 8 PM to 8 AM for one week, then off for 2 days, then working from 8 AM to 8 PM for a week. The doctor is writing a prescription for the patient to assist with the excess drowsiness related to the unconventional work schedule. The nurse knows that this patient may be treated with which of the following medications?

Explanation

• Modafinil (Provigil) is a medication approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift-work related sleep disorder.

• The need for Provigil should be investigated thoroughly to ensure no other underlying cause for extreme drowsiness is indicated.

• Provigil is not prescribed frequently, but when it is given, some patients complain of a mild headache and nausea.

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