OBS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

Pathophysiology Course

Pathophysiology Memory Trick

O - Obstructed
When the tongue or muscles in the pharynx block the airway
resulting in moments of no breathing & no airflow, called Apnea. S - Snoring OSA - Obstructed Snoring Airway

A- Airway

Signs & Symptoms

Daytime:
• Morning headaches Morning headaches Daytime Sleepiness Chronic Fatigue

• Daytime sleepiness
Snoring Episodes of apnea

• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability, mood swings, depression
Night Time:
• Snoring
• Episodes of apnea

Causes
O S A
OBESE / OVERWEIGHT SEDATIVES BEFORE BED ALCOHOL
(BENZOS, OPIATES)

Benzos
0
40.0

Nursing Intervention

Lose weight / Exercise

Limit alcohol intake
CPAP
NO napping during the day Continuous positive
NO sedatives at bedtime airway pressure

NO eating bedtime snacks 40.0

0

Intervention
CPAP: Continuous positive airway
pressure uses a mask & air
pump to push air pressure
into the nose & mouth which
keeps the pharynx and tongue
from collapsing backward.
Side Note
Key point
Cpaps give continuous pressure
1st Action: during inhalation & exhalation
Client on CPAP with Low O2 Sat. making it more uncomfortable
Check tightness of straps & BIPAP pressures accommodate
and mask. for normal breathing