A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."
"I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
"It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
"I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
The Correct Answer is A
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching, as weight loss is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and hypoxia. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, as excess fat tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway and increase its collapsibility. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the airway and improve its patency.
b) "I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping pills are not recommended for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can worsen the condition by relaxing the muscles of the throat and tongue, which can further obstruct the airway and decrease the arousal response to hypoxia. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sleeping pills and other sedatives or alcohol before bedtime.
c) "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping on the back is not helpful for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back can increase the risk of airway obstruction by allowing gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate backward, which can block the airway and cause snoring and apnea. The nurse should suggest that the client try sleeping on the side or elevate the head of the bed to prevent this.
d) "I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as a humidifier is not likely to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. A humidifier can moisten the air and ease breathing for clients who have dry or irritated nasal passages, but it does not address the underlying cause of airway obstruction or hypoxia. The nurse should inform the client that a humidifier may not be effective for obstructive sleep apnea and may increase the risk of infection or mold growth if not cleaned properly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
These are important safety and comfort measures for a client who uses home oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula.
The other options are not correct because:
b. Verify the oxygen flow rate every other day. This is not frequent enough, as the flow rate should be checked at least daily and whenever the client feels short of breath or has changes in vital signs.
d. Apply petroleum ointment to nares if they become dry and irritated. This is not recommended, as petroleum products can ignite in the presence of oxygen and cause burns or fire. A water-based lubricant should be used instead.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps clients with COPD to exhale more effectively and prevent air trapping in the lungs. It also reduces dyspnea and improves oxygenation.
a) A low protein diet is not recommended for clients with COPD, as they need adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition.
c) Fluid restriction is not necessary for clients with COPD, unless they have signs of fluid overload or heart failure. Adequate hydration helps to thin secretions and facilitate expectoration.
d) Early-morning hours are not the best time for exercise and activity for clients with COPD, as they may experience more shortness of breath and fatigue due to diurnal variations in lung function. A better time would be mid-morning or afternoon, after taking bronchodilators and clearing secretions.
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