A nurse is reviewing the concepts of central sleep apnea with a colleague. Which of the following statements by the colleague indicates an understanding of central sleep apnea?
"Common causes of central sleep apnea are opioid overdose and congestive heart failure."
"Central sleep apnea is caused by obesity and an inactive tongue."
"Central sleep apnea is easily diagnosed using polysomnography."
"Central sleep apnea is related to the recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse and obstruction."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep. Common causes include opioid overdose, congestive heart failure, and neurologic conditions that affect the respiratory centers. The key characteristic is the absence of respiratory effort, distinguishing CSA from obstructive forms.
B. Obesity and an inactive tongue are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not central sleep apnea. OSA results from upper airway collapse during sleep, not central nervous system failure.
C. While polysomnography is the standard diagnostic tool for sleep apnea, CSA is not “easily diagnosed” because it can be intermittent and requires careful analysis of respiratory effort and airflow patterns to differentiate from OSA.
D. Recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse and obstruction describe obstructive sleep apnea, not central sleep apnea. CSA involves a lack of respiratory drive rather than physical obstruction of the airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is a defining feature of hypersomnia. Clients experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite getting adequate or even prolonged sleep at night. The sleep is often non-restorative, meaning the client wakes still feeling tired, and additional sleep does not resolve the fatigue. This distinguishes hypersomnia from simple sleep deprivation.
B. While circadian rhythm disorders (like delayed sleep phase or shift work sleep disorder) can cause sleepiness, hypersomnia is not primarily caused by circadian rhythm disruption. It is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness even with a normal sleep-wake schedule.
C. Hypersomnia actually impairs attention, concentration, and cognitive performance due to persistent sleepiness. Clients may experience difficulty focusing, memory lapses, and slowed mental processing, so a longer attention span is incorrect.
D. Lack of hypocretin (orexin) is primarily associated with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), which includes cataplexy, not hypersomnia. Hypersomnia generally occurs without hypocretin deficiency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Retrograde amnesia is a known adverse effect of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (such as zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone). These medications can interfere with memory formation during the night, particularly if the client engages in activities after taking the drug without getting a full night of sleep. Nurses should monitor clients for gaps in memory or unusual behaviors and provide education on taking the medication immediately before bedtime with adequate sleep time.
B. Urinary discomfort is not commonly associated with nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics. This symptom is more likely related to urinary tract conditions or medications such as anticholinergics.
C. Dry mouth is not a typical adverse effect of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics; it is more commonly seen with tricyclic antidepressants or certain antihistamines.
D. Hallucinations are rare but possible, usually at higher doses or in sensitive populations; however, retrograde amnesia is far more common and a primary concern when monitoring clients starting these medications.
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