What should be recommended for a patient experiencing multiple awakening events during sleep and displaying apnea?

• A. Doxapram (Dopram)
• B. Aminophylline
• C. Nasal CPAP therapy while sleeping
• D. Bi-level therapy with full face mask at night

Answer: (A)

In cases of a patient experiencing multiple awakening events during sleep combined with apnea, the most appropriate recommendation is nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy while sleeping. This therapy is specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing individuals to awaken frequently and experience interruptions in breathing.

Nasal CPAP works by providing a continuous stream of air that keeps the airway open, thereby reducing episodes of apnea and improving overall sleep quality. It is a widely accepted first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and is effective in significantly decreasing the frequency of apneic events and enhancing restorative sleep.

Other options such as doxapram and aminophylline are not standard treatments for sleep apnea; they may be used in other contexts but do not address the underlying issue of airway obstruction during sleep. Bi-level therapy with a full face mask might be suitable for certain patients, particularly those with more complex respiratory needs, but nasal CPAP is typically the initial recommendation for most cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Hence, the choice of nasal CPAP therapy aligns best with the symptoms presented by the patient.