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Adult obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareAdult obstructive sleep apnea diagnosisUSMLE Step 3

A 51-year-old woman with hypertension and obesity has fatigue and loud snoring. Her partner reports witnessed apneas. Epworth Sleepiness Scale score is 14. Home sleep apnea testing shows apnea-hypopnea index of 28/hour. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: A — Continuous positive airway pressure therapy

Moderate obstructive sleep apnea with daytime sleepiness should be treated with CPAP and risk-factor modification. Untreated OSA contributes to hypertension, sleepiness, and cardiovascular risk.

Reference: American Academy of Sleep Medicine obstructive sleep apnea guideline