Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding findings to watch for and report in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
- In individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea, sudden drop in blood oxygen levels due to interrupted breathing pattern can lead to drop in oxygen supply to vital organs, such as, heart and brain, thus affecting their function. This can result in elevated blood pressure numbers, increased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and increased confusion with compromised metal abilities & memory loss. Report to the physician regarding any signs of worsening cardiac function, such as, poorly regulated heartbeat, poorly controlled BP numbers, and episodes of chest pain & worsening confusion, to allow further investigation into the case and prevent serious complications in future.
- Multiple apneic spells followed by abrupt awakenings throughout the night can make the sleep very interrupted for individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea. Poor rest during the night due to interrupted sleep pattern can lead to headache, difficulty concentrating, and confusion the following morning and leave the individual very tired & fatigued. Also, in an attempt to cover for the sleep deprivation during the night, individuals can present with excessive day time sedation and can doze off performing essential tasks, such as, driving, thus compromising safety & security. Any acute increase in the individual’s irritability, symptoms of anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, and fatigue should therefore be reported to the physician, so that, plan of care could be accordingly tailored.
