A nurse is collecting data on a client who has obstructive sleep apnea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Constipation
Nausea
Headache
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is C
A. Constipation
Constipation is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea. However, sleep disturbances and certain medications used to manage OSA may indirectly contribute to constipation in some cases.
B. Nausea
Nausea is not a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. While sleep disturbances may affect gastrointestinal function in some individuals, nausea is not a typical manifestation of OSA.
C. Headache
One of the common findings associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is headache. This occurs due to the repeated episodes of apnea (cessation of breathing) during sleep, which leads to intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and subsequent cerebral vasodilation. The vasodilation can trigger headaches, often described as morning headaches, upon waking up. These headaches are typically frontal and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue and irritability.
D. Hypotension
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not a typical finding in obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, individuals with OSA are more likely to have hypertension (high blood pressure) due to the effects of repeated apnea episodes on the cardiovascular system, such as increased sympathetic activity and arterial stiffness.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Encourage fluid intake of 2.5 L per day.
This is an appropriate intervention for a client with pneumonia. Increasing fluid intake helps to thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to cough up and clear from the airways. Adequate hydration also supports overall health and immune function. However, the nurse should consider the client's individual fluid tolerance and any comorbid conditions such as heart failure that may necessitate fluid restriction.
B. Assist the client to cough and deep breathe every 4 hr.
This intervention is also appropriate for a client with pneumonia. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help to mobilize and clear respiratory secretions, preventing complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. However, the frequency of coughing and deep breathing may need to be tailored to the client's tolerance and respiratory status.
C. Encourage independence in completing ADLs.
While promoting independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) is generally beneficial for older adult clients, in the context of pneumonia, the priority is to ensure adequate rest and conserve energy for recovery. Depending on the severity of the illness, the client may experience fatigue and dyspnea, making it challenging to perform ADLs independently. The nurse should assess the client's functional status and provide assistance as needed while promoting independence to the extent possible.
D. Use an N-95 respirator when providing client care.
This intervention is not directly relevant to the care plan for a client with pneumonia. N-95 respirators are primarily used for respiratory protection against airborne infectious agents such as tuberculosis or certain viral infections like COVID-19. While standard precautions should be followed when caring for a client with pneumonia to prevent the spread of infection, including hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), an N-95 respirator is not typically indicated unless the client has a specific respiratory pathogen requiring airborne precautions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Saving the sputum specimen in a clean container.
While it is important to collect the sputum specimen in a clean, sterile container, simply saving the specimen in a clean container is not sufficient. The nurse needs to actively collect the sputum specimen from the client using proper technique to ensure that it is not contaminated and is suitable for laboratory analysis.
B. Collecting the sputum specimen after a meal.
Collecting a sputum specimen after a meal is not recommended, as it can increase the likelihood of contamination with food particles. It's preferable to collect the specimen before meals or at least 1-2 hours after eating to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the integrity of the specimen.
C. Rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen.
When obtaining a sputum specimen from a client, it's important for the nurse to plan to rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to clear any food particles or debris from the oral cavity, ensuring that the sputum sample collected is not contaminated with saliva or food particles. This improves the quality and accuracy of the specimen for laboratory analysis.
D. Obtaining the specimen from the client in the evening.
The timing of specimen collection is not necessarily restricted to the evening. The timing may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing of specimen collection, which may be based on factors such as the client's symptoms and the diagnostic requirements.
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