Obstructive sleep apnea: a standard of care that works

Examining the care of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is forefront in perianesthesia nursing. The issue of how to effectively manage patients with OSA emerges as the patient presents for surgery. Evaluation of current practice demonstrates a gap in the consistency of care provided to patients with OSA. The development and implementation of a nursing standard of care has proven highly effective in improving the perioperative management of patients with OSA. With the introduction of preoperative screening, we can more readily identify and facilitate communication of the presence of OSA. Staff education and an increase in postoperative monitoring time help to ensure that all patients with OSA receive safe, consistent, quality care while recovering from anesthesia.