What should a nurse do when entering Ms. Yu's room at night while she is sleeping?

Entering a patient's room while they are asleep requires special consideration for their comfort and rest. Opting to enter quietly demonstrates respect for Ms. Yu, prioritizing her need for sleep, which is essential for her recovery and well-being. This approach minimizes disruption and helps maintain a calm environment, which is particularly important in a healthcare setting where patients may already be experiencing anxiety or discomfort.

Additionally, entering quietly allows the nurse to assess the situation visually without causing unnecessary disturbance. If an immediate assessment is needed, the nurse can still observe Ms. Yu's condition without waking her, making it possible to determine if any further actions are required while allowing her to sleep undisturbed.

In contrast, turning on the lights can be jarring for a sleeping patient, and waking her gently to assess her could lead to disorientation or stress. Checking the medication chart first doesn’t prioritize the immediate observation of her current condition, which is vital in a nursing practice context. Thus, a quiet entry is the most appropriate action in this scenario.