Certified Polysomnographic Technician Certification Equipment Setup & Calibration Flashcards

According to AASM standards, which EOG electrode placement is used to detect both horizontal and vertical eye movements?

Answer: E1 placed 1 cm below the left outer canthus and E2 placed 1 cm above the right outer canthus

AASM recommends E1 placed 1 cm below the left outer canthus and E2 placed 1 cm above the right outer canthus, allowing detection of both horizontal and vertical eye movements.

What is the minimum number of EEG derivations recommended by AASM for standard sleep staging?

Answer: 3 derivations

AASM recommends a minimum of 3 EEG derivations (F4-M1, C4-M1, O2-M1 with backups) for standard sleep staging.

A CPAP mask with a large leak is detected during titration. What is the technologist's FIRST action?

Answer: Enter the room and adjust or replace the mask

The first action for a significant mask leak is to enter the patient's room and refit, adjust, or replace the mask to restore an effective seal.

What does the term 'montage' refer to in PSG recording?

Answer: The arrangement of electrode placements and channel derivations displayed on the PSG screen

A montage is the specific arrangement of electrode placements and channel derivations that determines how signals are displayed on the PSG acquisition screen.

During PSG equipment setup, skin preparation typically involves which step prior to electrode application?

Answer: Lightly abrading the skin with a mildly abrasive material to remove dead skin cells

Light abrasion of the skin (using NuPrep or similar prep gel) removes dead skin cells and sebum to lower electrode impedance and improve signal quality.

Which capnography waveform finding during PSG would indicate hypoventilation in a pediatric patient?

Answer: End-tidal CO2 >50 mmHg for >25% of total sleep time

Pediatric hypoventilation is defined as end-tidal or transcutaneous CO2 >50 mmHg for more than 25% of total sleep time per AASM criteria.