Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

A perianesthesia nurse should be aware that a high BMI may contribute to what respiratory challenge in patients?

1. Increased lung volumes

2. Improved lung compliance

3. Obstructive sleep apnea

4. Decreased airway resistance

The correct answer is: Obstructive sleep apnea

A high body mass index (BMI) is closely associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where soft tissues in the throat collapse or become obstructed during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing. The excess weight can cause the upper airway to be narrower, thereby increasing the risk of airway obstruction, especially when the patient is in a supine position. In patients with a high BMI, the additional fat deposits around the neck and throat can compromise airway patency, making the patient more susceptible to episodes of apnea or hypopnea (shallow breathing) during sleep. This condition can further complicate anesthesia management and recovery because patients with OSA often experience increased airway resistance and may require specific interventions to ensure adequate ventilation during and after procedures. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the associations with a high BMI. For instance, increased lung volumes and improved lung compliance are typically contrary to the physiological effects of obesity, as excess weight generally reduces lung volumes and compliance due to restricted diaphragm movement. Additionally, decreased airway resistance would not occur with a high BMI; rather, high BMI generally contributes to increased airway resistance due to anatomical changes in the respiratory system.