Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which group of factors is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a male patient with a history of obesity?

1. Age, excess weight, gender, and smoking history

2. Age, excess weight, ethnicity, and a history of hypertension

3. Age, excess weight, ethnicity, and age

4. Age, excess weight, ethnicity, and smoking history

The correct answer is: Age, excess weight, gender, and smoking history

The selection that includes age, excess weight, gender, and smoking history accurately reflects the primary risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in male patients with a history of obesity. Age is a significant contributing factor to OSA because as individuals get older, the risk of sleep apnea increases, possibly due to changes in muscle tone and fat distribution. Excess weight or obesity is a critical component, as increased adipose tissue, especially around the neck, can obstruct the airway during sleep. Gender plays a crucial role as well; OSA is more prevalent in men than women, primarily due to anatomical differences and variations in adipose tissue distribution. Smoking history also contributes to the risk as it can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airways, further increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep. Overall, this combination of factors comprehensively encapsulates the prevalent risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea, especially in the context of a male patient with obesity. The other options do not present an accurate mix of these crucial factors for OSA risk assessment. For instance, while ethnicity might influence the prevalence or severity of OSA in certain populations, it isn't as universally recognized as a risk factor compared to the selected factors.