•  Differentiate between apnea & periodic breathing

•  Identify when apnea is most likely to occur

•  Describe the various types of apnea

•  Identify the causes of apnea

•  Discuss the medical, nursing, and pharmacological interventions in treating apnea

•  Identify discharge planning preparations/teaching

Definition:

• Apnea…...is a respiratory pause > 20 seconds or shorter if accompanied by cyanosis, pallor, hypotonia or bradycardia

• Periodic Breathing.…is a respiratory pause lasting  < 20 seconds and not associated with any color change or bradycardia.  Periodic breathing is less frequent after 36 weeks’ gestation