title: Assessing children for obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children has only recently been appreciated. Early identification of this disorder is extremely important to minimize neurologic, cardiac, and/or developmental complications that may occur as a result of the syndrome. This article presents an overview of OSA syndrome, pediatric risk factors for sleep apnea, symptoms common in children with OSA, and assessment information to guide the health practitioner in identifying children whose sleep patterns require further evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Harris College of Nursing-Texas Christian University, Ft Worth, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Yantis
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*