Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in ICU patients is typically based on the presence of specific respiratory events that occur during sleep, particularly apneas (complete cessation of airflow) and hypopneas (partial reductions in airflow), often accompanied by oxygen desaturation. Additionally, daytime sleepiness is a key symptom associated with OSA, as patients may not achieve restful sleep due to frequent disruptions caused by apneas.

In the intensive care setting, patients may not always report daytime sleepiness due to their underlying conditions or sedative medications, but the identification of apneas or hypopneas through monitoring can be indicative of OSA. Therefore, when evaluating a patient for this condition in the ICU, these criteria play a crucial role in establishing a proper diagnosis and ensuring that appropriate management strategies are employed.

Other options, although they may reflect various health issues, are not characteristic of OSA. Low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms can be related to a variety of different respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, while frequent headaches, high cholesterol levels, chronic fatigue, and elevated blood glucose levels do not specifically point towards the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Thus, the identification of apneas or hypopneas coupled with oxygen desaturation and daytime sleepiness remains the