Sleepwalking is also known as?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Somnambulism is the correct medical term for sleepwalking.
It is classified as a parasomnia, which involves abnormal behaviors during sleep.
The term originates from the Latin words 'somnus' (sleep) and 'ambulare' (to walk).
These episodes arise from NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) Stage 3 deep sleep, typically in the first third of the night.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Somniloquy is the medical term for sleep-talking, not sleepwalking. It involves vocalizations during sleep.
Option B: Enuresis refers to involuntary urination, commonly known as bedwetting. It is a different type of sleep-related issue.
Option D: Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. While nocturnal seizures can occur during sleep and may involve motor activity, they are a distinct neurological condition and not synonymous with sleepwalking.

Related Visual

An infographic illustrating the different stages of sleep NREM 1, 2, 3, and REM. It should highlight that Somnambulism sleepwalking occurs during NREM Stage 3, the deepest s...

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical terminology for sleep disorders, specifically parasomnias as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient safety is the primary concern for individuals who sleepwalk. Nurses must educate the patient and family on creating a safe environment by removing hazards, locking doors, and blocking stairways.
It is crucial to advise against waking a sleepwalker abruptly, as this can cause confusion and agitation. Instead, they should be gently guided back to bed.
Assessment of triggers is a key nursing role. Inquiring about sleep hygiene, stress levels, alcohol intake, and medications can help identify and manage factors that provoke somnambulism.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'Sleepwalking'.
The question asks for the synonymous medical term ('also known as'). This is a direct recall question.
Analyze the options provided. Break down the terms if possible (e.g., 'somnus' relates to sleep).
Recall or deduce the definition of each term. 'Somnambulism' combines 'sleep' and 'walking'.
Differentiate it from other sleep-related phenomena: 'Somniloquy' (sleep-talking) and 'Enuresis' (bedwetting).
Eliminate 'Seizures' as it's a distinct neurological event, not a primary sleep disorder, although it can occur during sleep.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Medical terminology for sleep disorders, specifically parasomnias.
Stem keywords: Sleepwalking
Lead-in keywords: also known as

Question ID

Qhv3uk_pW232ZjMGlfqe4r

Reference Book

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 258-260

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 1586-1588

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 7007-7009

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