Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has obstructive sleep apnea (osa). which of the following physiological factors is true in a client with osa? lower amounts of fat are around the pharynx. oxygen levels in the body rise and carbon dioxide levels drop. contraction of the throat leads to obstructed airway. muscle tone of the nasopharynx is reduced, which contracts the airway.

Explanation:

• In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the muscle tone of the nasopharynx is reduced. This reduction in muscle tone causes the airway to contract.
• Option 1: Higher amounts of fat around the pharynx are associated with OSA, not lower.
• Option 2: In OSA, oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide levels rise due to interrupted breathing.
• Option 3: It is the relaxation (not contraction) of the throat muscles that leads to airway obstruction in OSA.

Answer:

Muscle tone of the nasopharynx is reduced, which contracts the airway.