Question

The nurse assesses a female client with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who is 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighs 155 pounds (70 kg), the client's 24 hour diet history includes: no breakfast, cheeseburger and fries for lunch; lasagna, chocolate ice cream and a cola drink for dinner, and 2 glasses of wine in the evening before going to bed for a total caloric intake of 3500 calories. What instructions should the nurse provide? (Select all that apply)

a) Avoid use of alcohol as a sleep aide at bedtime.
b) Start a weight loss program.

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client with obstructive sleep apnea to avoid alcohol as a sleep aid and to start a weight loss program to help manage her condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who has a diet high in calories and includes alcohol consumption before bed would benefit from several lifestyle changes. Based on the information provided, the nurse should instruct the client to:

Avoid use of alcohol as a sleep aid before bedtime because it can further relax the throat muscles, exacerbating the condition.

Start a weight loss program to reduce weight, which is a contributing factor to the severity of sleep apnea. A dietitian can assist in creating a calorie-restricted and nutritious meal plan to support this effort.

These suggestions align with research indicating that lifestyle modifications, such as reducing alcohol intake and losing excess body weight, can significantly impact the improvement of sleep apnea symptoms.