More caution needed before triathlons
I just read "Triathlons more risky for men than marathons" (Clinical Rounds, November 2017), which reported that men and women, but mostly men, are dying from cardiac arrest while competing in triathlon events. I'm concerned that we haven't done enough to prevent deaths caused by triathlons. I think that we need to pay more attention to every athlete's health before the competition. Assessing every competitor's health status beforehand might help reduce injuries and prevent deaths.
-KE'SHAUN VERNON
Hutchinson, Kan.
Obstructive sleep apnea screening
In the hospital, admission screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is important. Family members, especially bed partners, play a significant role in helping nurses identify patients at risk for OSA. Nurses also need to encourage patients diagnosed with OSA to adhere to their prescribed therapy, particularly if they have a history of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an important preventive measure that helps minimize additional hospitalizations and complications such as stroke in patients with AF. According to research, CPAP use by patients with OSA decreases AF recurrence by 43%.1 Nurses need to be aware of controllable risk factors for patients with AF so they can educate patients and their families about the critical importance of following treatment regimens.
-KAREN NICHOLS, MSN, RN-BC, RT(R)(M)(CV)
Grapevine, Tex.
REFERENCE