A student nurse looks at a patient's chart and does not understand the meaning of serious sleep apnea, so she asks the head nurse for assistance. How might the head nurse describe this condition?
A) The patient is mentally ill and tends to try to suffocate himself at times.
B) The patient cannot sleep unless he uses several pillows to deaden sounds that might awaken him.
C) The patient appears to awaken throughout the night and start walking, but he will not respond to commands.
D) The patient has a potentially life-threatening condition in which air does not flow into or out of his nose or mouth for periods of time while he is asleep.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serious sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition in which air does not flow into or out of a person's nose or mouth for periods of time while they are asleep. This can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body and can contribute to other health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this condition and monitor it closely to prevent complications.

A Student Nurse Looks at a Patient's Chart and Does