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?
1. "It does happen sometimes, but you should be fine with the CPAP."
2. "That is not likely because the CPAP can breathe for you if you stop breathing."
3. "Don't worry, we'll be monitoring your oxygen saturation and we'll wake you up before that happens."
4. "That is not likely, because when your body has is not getting enough oxygen, it sends an awakening alert."
Answer: 4
Explanation: 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.
You might also like to view...
Several factors affect an elderly person's ability to manage his or her medication administration. Many of the factors are related to normal aging patterns
Which of the following problems with medication administration is not related to normal aging? a. Cognitive changes b. Changes in touch and dexterity c. Decreased taste acuity d. Inability to get medications from the pharmacy
The family wishes to continue all aspects of care for a terminally and critically ill patient in the interests of justice and nonmalfeasance
The health care team believes that further sophisticated and technical interventions are futile and that the focus of care should be shifted to provision of comfort, dignity, and palliative care. Neither the family nor the health care team is willing to compromise any portion of their stances. The patient is unresponsive. This situation is an example of what kind of problem? A) Ethical dilemma B) Recalcitrant family C) Biotechnology effects D) Paternalism
The nurse is caring for a Vietnamese-American admitted to the intensive care unit as a result of malnutrition. The patient is unable to walk because of his malnutrition,
and he has developed a pressure ulcer from lying in bed constantly without changing positions. The family believes that the patient is depressed and that is why he stopped getting up. When planning this patient's care, the nurse should: a. develop multiple nursing diagnoses. b. develop only one nursing diagnosis to aid in focusing. c. focus on the physical issues facing this patient. d. deal primarily with the patient's psychological needs.
Which test is done to identify the causative agent of encephalitis or meningitis?
a. blood culture c. lumbar puncture b. complete blood count d. serum electrolytes