A patient was recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) expresses to the nurse that he is afraid he will die in his sleep, despite the use of CPAP. What is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

4. While many newly diagnosed individuals with OSA may fear dying in their sleep, it is highly unlikely. Chemoreceptors in the CNS monitor levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and send an awakening signal when changes occur. Telling the patient that he or she "should be fine" or that the patient's oxygen saturation will be monitored is not therapeutic and does not address the patient's concerns. The CPAP device does not "breathe" for the patient; rather, it is used to provide positive-pressure to the patient's airway to splint open the airway. CPAP does not have a backup rate.

A Patient Was Recently Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)