title: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Modifications in Sedation: An Update.
abstract: One factor that may contribute to an increased risk for airway compromise is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sedation in this population carries an increased risk for hypopnea. Critical care nurses must decide on the amount and type of sedation to administer at the point of care. It is important for them to understand OSA and the routinely prescribed sedatives that may affect this disorder. This article discusses the pathophysiology of OSA and traits that may help identify patients with undiagnosed OSA. The most commonly prescribed sedative pharmacologic agents and adjunctive airway support mechanisms are reviewed for use in this population.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing Graduate Program, College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Washington Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA. Electronic address: Deborah.Weatherspoon@Waldenu.edu.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weatherspoon
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing MSN Program, School of Nursing Graduate Program, College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Washington Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing Graduate Program, College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Washington Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA; Veteran Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health System, Fort Campbell, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Weatherspoon
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives
keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; Sedation; Sleep apnea