An older adult who is overweight and hypertensive awakens abruptly during the night with gasping and choking. Which action should the nurse implement to manage this patient's signs and symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms are indicative of sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep and can cause sudden awakenings with gasping or choking. Raising the head of the patient's bed to a 30-degree angle can help alleviate this condition by promoting airway patency. An anti-anxiety medication or refreshing the bed linens would not address the underlying issue of sleep apnea. A 12-lead ECG may be necessary to assess the patient's cardiac function, but it is not directly related to the current symptoms.

An Older Adult Who Is Overweight and Hypertensive Awakens Abruptly