Posted: September 26th, 2017

During patient teaching, the nurse explains the difference between a sedative and hypnotic by stating:

During patient teaching, the nurse explains the difference between a sedative and hypnotic by stating:

1. “Sedatives are much stronger than hypnotic drugs and should only be used for short periods of time.”
2. “Sedative drugs induce sleep, whereas hypnotic drugs induce a state of hypnosis.”
3. “Most drugs produce sedation at low doses and sleep (the hypnotic effect) at higher doses.”
4. “There really is no difference; the terms are used interchangeably.”