Which of the following medical therapies is considered first-line ...

[Medesa]

Which of the following medical therapies is considered first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
 
  a. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
  b. Surgery
  c. Oxygen therapy
  d. Antibiotics

Question 2

Why should the patient with obstructive sleep apnea not use alcohol?
 
  a. Alcohol decreases the arousal threshold.
  b. Alcohol increases upper airway muscle tone.
  c. Alcohol increases the arousal threshold.
  d. Alcohol reduces the cardiovascular com-pensatory mechanisms.

[leannegxo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
CPAP therapy was introduced for management of OSA in 1981. It has become the first-line medical therapy for OSA.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Alcohol decreases the arousal threshold and as a result can increase the duration of apnea. Alco-hol also reduces upper airway muscle tone, causing the airway to be more compliant and thus more prone to complete or partial closure.