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| A recent Spanish study cited in McKnight's Long Term Care email
newsletter reports that elderly with sleep apnea are more than twice as
likely to have a stroke. Increasingly, referrals to nursing homes are
showing up with treatments for sleep apnea such as continuous positive
pressure with biphasic valves (Bi- Pap). It is important that
facilities orient their staff on these treatments and educate them
about the dangers of sleep apnea. Episodes of sleep apnea can cause
significant strain on the cardiovascular system, and can result in
increased blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
Consider these steps in preparing your facility to accommodate persons
with sleep apnea:
1. Encourage referring hospitals to provide complete information on
sleep apnea treatments, including equipment settings and the patient's
tolerance for the therapy
2. Contract with a vendor who can provide CPAP and BiPap devices on
short notice as needed; try to stick with only a few models so staff
are familiar with the workings
3. Encourage referring hospitals to send mask and head gear with the
resident, as these are expensive and have already been through the
trial and error process to see which works best
4. Provide orientation to all nursing staff about sleep apnea and it's
related therapy. The American Sleep Apnea Society has an excellent web
site with training resources.
Joe Tomaino RN
www.continuingcareinsite.info
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