The patient uses continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at home and tells the home care nurse that the mask fits too tightly. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Question

a. Changing the mask to a simple face mask
b. Teaching the patient about maintaining a tight fit to face
c. Enlarging several of the air holes on the mask
d. Loosening the straps of the mask for the patient's comfort

Answer 1

B
The nurse teaches the patient that the mask of the CPAP must fit tightly to prevent collapse of the upper airway because the device is unable to establish positive airway pressure without a tight seal. The nurse cannot make the decision to change the type of mask used. A simple face mask allows air to leak. Loosening the straps allows air to leak from the system so positive pressure never builds. If the CPAP has holes, they are integrated into the system; so the nurse should not enlarge them because it alters the function.