Final answer:
The priority assessment for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea is their respiratory status, to monitor for potential oxygen desaturation and carbon dioxide retention, which are immediate health risks. Treatment can include the use of a CPAP machine and lifestyle modifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a patient with obstructive sleep apnea, the priority assessment is their respiratory status. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition where there is a cessation of breathing during sleep, and the patient's airway becomes blocked, leading to interruptions in breathing. Due to these repeated interruptions, the assessment of respiratory status is critical, as it could indicate decreased oxygen saturation and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can have immediate and detrimental effects on the patient’s overall health.
Treatment for sleep apnea typically includes the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airway open during sleep, along with lifestyle changes and, sometimes, supplemental oxygen. Therefore, regular monitoring of the patient’s respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and the efficacy of the CPAP machine, if in use, is essential.