Final answer:
Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep which is often diagnosed with a sleep study and treated with a CPAP machine or lifestyle changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client for obstructive sleep apnea, the most common symptom that a nurse would be aware of is excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These disruptions in breathing can lead to poor sleep quality, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, morning headaches, and especially excessive daytime sleepiness. Loud snoring and restless sleep are also common symptoms of sleep apnea. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is usually done during a sleep study, and treatment commonly includes the use of a CPAP machine or lifestyle changes.