Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in ambulatory surgical patients

Obstructive sleep apnea in the ambulatory surgery setting has become a more significant concern in recent years because its identification and recognition are a critical part of preoperative patients' risk assessment. The types of surgeries that can be performed on an outpatient basis have increased and include many specialty procedures that previously were performed on an inpatient basis only. Ambulatory surgery has proven to be a cost-effective alternative for patients and physicians; however, patients in this setting often have complex surgical histories. Perioperative nurses must provide a more integrated approach to patient assessment to recognize, identify, plan, and implement a course of safe care for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Reviewing patients' histories can help nurses identify symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, allowing them to alert the surgical team of special requirements. Ambulatory patients with identified obstructive steep apnea will require a planned course of care. Ambulatory care facilities should have a policy in place to ensure that safe care will be provided to patients for the entire perioperative course. AORN J 76 (Sept 2002) 458-464.