CPE Physiological Monitoring 3

Question 1

In polygraph cardio recordings, relative blood pressure (RBP) is considered 'relative' because:

Accepted Answer

It records changes in arterial wall movement rather than true mmHg values

Answer

RBP is called 'relative' because the arm cuff records changes in arterial expansion (cardiograph waveforms) rather than calibrated absolute pressure values in mmHg.

Question 2

Which autonomic branch is primarily responsible for producing the physiological responses that polygraph instruments measure during a deceptive response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight)

Answer

The sympathetic nervous system drives the fight-or-flight response, causing the increases in EDA, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory changes detected by the polygraph.

Question 3

A 'suppression' response in the EDA channel is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A flattening or decrease in EDA activity compared to the resting level

Answer

Suppression in EDA refers to a reduction or flattening of activity, sometimes associated with countermeasures or a strong inhibitory response.

Question 4

What is the significance of measuring BOTH thoracic and abdominal respiration channels in a polygraph exam?

Accepted Answer

It allows detection of differential breathing shifts that may indicate countermeasure use or suppression

Answer

Monitoring both channels allows examiners to detect shifts between chest and belly breathing patterns, which may signal deliberate breath control or other countermeasures.

Question 5

A photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor used in some polygraph systems primarily detects:

Accepted Answer

Volumetric changes in blood flow through peripheral capillaries via infrared light

Answer

PPG uses infrared light to detect changes in blood volume in peripheral tissues such as the fingertip, providing an alternative or supplementary cardiovascular channel.

(CPE) Certified Polygraph Examiner Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Polygraph Examiner Practice Test

CPE Physiological Monitoring 3