Biological - NIH Office of Science Education - National Institutes of ...

ANSWERS TO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Why is it significant that the patient has gained 55 pounds in the past
two years?
Being overweight is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. Thickening
of airway walls and soft tissue in the neck also increase risk, and this
is related in part to excess fatty tissue.
2. Why do patients with sleep apnea wake up feeling unrefreshed?
Sleep apnea is associated with multiple awakenings during the night,
thus causing sleep to be fragmented. Also, because breathing stops
many times per night, less oxygen is available for body tissues.
3. Would you expect naps to be helpful in treating obstructive sleep apnea?
No. Naps generally are of little help to those with sleep apnea because
the sleep quality is not sufficient to be beneficial. Extra sleep will not
eliminate the apnea episodes and the risk of cardiovascular problems.
CASE HISTORY 5:
Key aspects
Diagnosis
Matching symptoms
Is your initial diagnosis confirmed?
If no, what is your new diagnosis?
If no, what caused you to change your mind?
Recommended treatment
possibly medication
Expected outcome
(effect of treatment on patient symptoms)
From Primary Information
• Difficulty sitting for prolonged periods
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty getting to sleep
Restless legs syndrome
• Sitting still for long periods is difficult.
• Symptoms interfere with sleep.
After reading Secondary Information
Answers will vary.
Answers will vary.
Patient complains that he feels as though bugs are
crawling under his skin on his arms and legs is
characteristic of restless legs syndrome.
Exercise, massages, avoid alcohol and caffeine
Lessening of symptoms and better sleep
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Student Lesson 4