Question:

Which of the following is NOT true regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

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The gold-standard diagnostic test for OSA is full-night polysomnography, not oximetry.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Nocturnal asphyxia
  • Alcoholism is a cofactor
  • Prone to hypertension
  • Overnight oximetry is diagnostic and can replace polysomnography
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, producing apneas and hypopneas. This leads to recurrent episodes of nocturnal asphyxia (oxygen desaturation), so option a is true.

Step 2: Alcohol relaxes the pharyngeal muscles and worsens airway collapse, so alcoholism is a recognised cofactor (option b true). The repeated hypoxia and sympathetic surges make patients prone to systemic hypertension (option c true).

Step 3: Full-night, attended, in-laboratory polysomnography is the gold-standard diagnostic test for OSA. Overnight oximetry alone is only a screening tool with limited sensitivity and specificity; it cannot replace polysomnography. Hence option d is the statement that is NOT true.

Step 4: Therefore the false statement, and the correct answer, is option d.
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