A child with Down syndrome who has sleep-disordered breathing with obstructive sleep apnea continues to have symptoms in spite of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy and treatment with a leukotriene receptor antagonist medication and a nasal steroid spray. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner will refer the child to a sleep disorder clinic to discuss which therapy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive airway pressure therapy (such as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP) is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and can be effective in children with Down syndrome. Craniofacial surgery and oral appliances are options, but are typically considered after other treatments have been tried and failed. Supplemental oxygen would only be helpful if the child had low oxygen levels during sleep, which is not typically the case with obstructive sleep apnea.

A Child with Down Syndrome Who Has Sleep-Disordered Breathing with Obstructive