Nursing Care for Oncology Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVES: Several authors describe pictures of people suffering from what nowadays has been named sleep apnea syndrome. The paper aims to justify the nurse's participation in clarifying symptoms associated with sleep disorders typical of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with cancer. METHODS: A method for monitoring during active tumor therapy and assessing the patient's condition was applied according to the V. Henderson model. Patients who stayed at the Complex Medical Oncological Center, Shumen, for at least 5 days in the period from August to September 2024 were selected. RESULTS: Obstructive sleep apnea is a significant medical and social condition with worldwide relevance. The causes of sleep disturbances in cancer patients are numerous-pain, respiratory problems such as cough, and psychosocial distress, including depression, anxiety, and worries about family or financial status. Results of an analysis showed a high frequency of sleep disturbances not only during active tumor therapy but also during remission phases. Associated factors range from somatic symptoms to depression and psychosocial distress. Because many of these associated factors are amenable to symptomatic treatment, it is worthwhile for nurses to be involved in clarifying symptoms associated with sleep disturbances in cancer patients. Nurses provide information to physicians to help identify underlying causes, aiming to improve patients' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can provide the information to screen, assess, diagnose, and support their patients during treatment for both sleep and wakefulness disorders and the underlying oncological disease.