The nurse is completing the admission assessment on a client who has o

The nurse is completing the admission assessment on a client who has obstructive sleep apnea. Which findings should the nurse expect when assessing this client?

1. Reddened uvula
2. Large soft palate
3. Obesity
4. Short neck
5. Deviated septum

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Rationale 1: Clients with obstructive sleep apnea are likely to have a reddened uvula.
Rationale 2: Clients with obstructive sleep apnea are likely to have an enlarged soft palate.
Rationale 3: Clients with obstructive sleep apnea are likely to be obese.
Rationale 4: A large, thick neck (over 17.5 inches) is more likely to be problematic than is a short neck.
Rationale 5: Deviated septum is an unlikely cause of obstructive sleep apnea.