The nurse is caring for a patient in the sleep lab. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient is in stage 3 NREM?

Choice A reason: Stage 3 NREM (deep sleep) is characterized by difficulty awakening, as the body is in a restorative state with slow brain waves (delta waves). This makes it hard to rouse the patient, aligning with the physiological features of deep sleep, making this the correct finding. Choice B reason: Awakening easily is typical of stage 1 or 2 NREM, not stage 3, where deep sleep makes arousal difficult. This finding is inconsistent with the slow-wave, restorative nature of stage 3 NREM, making it incorrect. Choice C reason: Rapid eye movement occurs in REM sleep, not stage 3 NREM, which is a non-REM, slow-wave sleep phase without eye movement. This finding is specific to REM, making it incorrect for stage 3 NREM assessment. Choice D reason: Elevated vital signs are not typical of stage 3 NREM, where the body is relaxed, with decreased heart rate and respiration. Elevated vital signs may occur in REM or wakefulness, making this an incorrect finding for deep sleep.