A patient is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Which assessment is the priority?

Respiratory status

Neurological function

Circulatory status

Gastrointestinal function

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Obstructive sleep apnea causes airway collapse, leading to hypopnea, apnea, and hypoxia. Assessing respiratory status, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and snoring, is critical to detect life-threatening desaturations or respiratory failure. This priority ensures airway patency and adequate oxygenation, addressing the primary pathophysiology of the condition.

Choice B reason: Neurological function may be affected by hypoxia in severe sleep apnea, causing daytime sleepiness or cognitive issues. However, respiratory status is the priority, as airway obstruction directly threatens oxygenation. Neurological assessment is secondary, as it does not address the immediate risk of respiratory compromise.

Choice C reason: Circulatory status, like blood pressure, may be impacted by chronic sleep apnea due to hypoxia-induced hypertension. However, respiratory status takes precedence, as airway obstruction is the primary issue causing desaturation. Circulatory changes are secondary and less urgent than ensuring adequate ventilation.

Choice D reason: Gastrointestinal function is unrelated to obstructive sleep apnea’s primary effects. While reflux may contribute to sleep issues, it is not a priority compared to respiratory status, which

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Low blood pressure is not typically associated with prolonged stress. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can increase blood pressure via sympathetic activation. Hypotension may occur in acute stress response (e.g., shock), but prolonged stress more commonly causes hypertension, making this an incorrect condition to monitor.

Choice B reason: Prolonged stress suppresses immune function by elevating cortisol, reducing lymphocyte activity and increasing infection risk. Conditions like respiratory or urinary tract infections become more likely. Monitoring for infections is essential, as stress weakens the body’s ability to fight pathogens, making this a correct condition to assess.

Choice C reason: Alopecia, or hair loss, can result from prolonged stress due to elevated cortisol disrupting hair follicle cycles, leading to telogen effluvium. Stress-induced autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata may also occur. Monitoring for hair loss is appropriate, as it reflects stress’s physiological impact, making this a correct choice.

Choice D reason: Prolonged stress increases diabetes risk by raising cortisol and catecholamines, which elevate blood glucose and impair insulin sensitivity. This can exacerbate or precipitate type 2 diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels is critical, as stress contributes to metabolic dysregulation, making this a correct condition to assess.

Choice E reason: Chronic stress is linked to cancer through immune suppression and inflammation, which may promote tumor growth. Elevated cortisol and stress hormones can impair DNA repair mechanisms. Monitoring for cancer risk, especially in high-stress patients, is warranted, as stress is a known risk factor, making this a correct choice.

A. Place the patient in the room farthest from the nurses’ station. B. Ask the patient “Would you like a newspaper to read?” C. Offer the patient a back rub. D. Hang a “Do not disturb” sign on patient’s door.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Placing the patient farthest from the nurses’ station increases isolation, worsening sensory deprivation. Bed rest already limits stimuli, and distance reduces interaction with staff, exacerbating disorientation or loneliness. This action contradicts the need to provide sensory stimulation, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason: Asking if the patient wants a newspaper provides visual and cognitive stimulation, counteracting sensory deprivation from bed rest. Reading engages the mind, reducing boredom and disorientation. This action aligns with promoting sensory input, making it an appropriate intervention to maintain mental engagement and well-being.

Choice C reason: Offering a back rub provides tactile stimulation, which is beneficial, but sensory deprivation primarily affects cognitive and perceptual functions. Reading a newspaper better addresses visual and intellectual needs, more directly countering the effects of limited environmental stimuli, making this a less optimal choice.

Choice D reason: Hanging a “Do not disturb” sign reduces interactions, increasing sensory deprivation. Bed rest patients need regular engagement to prevent disorientation or depression. This action isolates the patient further, contradicting the goal of providing sensory stimulation, making it an incorrect intervention.

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A patient is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Which assessment is the priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a patient with prolonged stress. Which conditions will the nurse monitor for in this patient? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for an older-adult patient on bed rest with potential sensory deprivation. Which action will the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A patient is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Which assessment is the priority?