Nightmares

This chapter presents a case of a six-year-old Daniel who is presented to the primary care office with his mother, Donna, with complaints of frequent nightmares. Donna states that Daniel will be asleep and will suddenly sit upright with his eyes open and start to scream loudly. She says that Daniel looks terrified and that he sweats and breathes fast during these episodes. Donna says that while Daniel is screaming, she is unable to wake, console, or comfort him. The screaming episodes typically last about 5 minutes each and happen 3–4 times weekly. The chapter also provides essential guidance and information for understanding how to diagnose and manage this case. This includes differential diagnosis and a series of critical thinking questions ideal for the family nurse practitioner.