Sleep/Wakefulness Disorders
Sleep/Wakefulness Disorders ( 40 Questions)
A nurse is providing education on treatment options for sleep-related breathing disorders. Select all of the following interventions that are commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This is a correct choice. CPAP is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the breathing interruptions characteristic of OSA.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT). While OAT can be used for mild to moderate OSA, it is not as commonly used as CPAP. It involves wearing a custom-fitted oral device that helps keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw during sleep.
Weight loss. This is a correct choice. Weight loss can significantly improve OSA, especially in cases where excess weight contributes to airway obstruction. Losing weight reduces the amount of tissue that can narrow the airway during sleep.
Surgery. Surgical interventions may be considered for severe cases of OSA that don't respond well to CPAP or other treatments. Surgeries can involve removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or creating a new airway passage. However, surgery is not as commonly used as CPAP or weight loss.
Medication (dopamine agonists). Medications are not commonly used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dopamine agonists are typically used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, not OSA. ​​​​​​​
Choice A rationale:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This is a correct choice. CPAP is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the breathing interruptions characteristic of OSA.
Choice B rationale:
Oral appliance therapy (OAT). While OAT can be used for mild to moderate OSA, it is not as commonly used as CPAP. It involves wearing a custom-fitted oral device that helps keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw during sleep.
Choice C rationale:
Weight loss. This is a correct choice. Weight loss can significantly improve OSA, especially in cases where excess weight contributes to airway obstruction. Losing weight reduces the amount of tissue that can narrow the airway during sleep.
Choice D rationale:
Surgery. Surgical interventions may be considered for severe cases of OSA that don't respond well to CPAP or other treatments. Surgeries can involve removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or creating a new airway passage. However, surgery is not as commonly used as CPAP or weight loss.
Choice E rationale:
Medication (dopamine agonists). Medications are not commonly used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dopamine agonists are typically used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, not OSA.