FREE BRPT AASM Scoring of Sleep Stages and Arousals Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to AASM guidelines, an epoch is scored as Stage N2 sleep upon the first occurrence of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A K-complex or a sleep spindle.

Answer

Stage N2 sleep is defined by the presence of either a K-complex or a sleep spindle. The appearance of one of these events marks the transition from Stage N1 to Stage N2, even if the rest of the epoch resembles Stage N1.

Question 2

To score a 30-second epoch as Stage N3, what percentage of the epoch must contain slow wave activity?

Accepted Answer

20% or more

Answer

The AASM manual defines Stage N3 (slow-wave sleep) as any epoch in which 20% or more of the epoch consists of slow wave activity. This is defined as waves with a frequency of 0.5-2 Hz and a peak-to-peak amplitude of >75 µV, measured over the frontal regions.

Question 3

Which combination of features is required to score an epoch as Stage R (REM) sleep?

Accepted Answer

Low-amplitude mixed-frequency EEG, low chin EMG, and rapid eye movements.

Answer

Stage R is characterized by a unique combination of physiological signals. These include a relatively low-amplitude, mixed-frequency EEG pattern, a low chin EMG tone (atonia), and the presence of rapid eye movements (REMs).

Question 4

What is the minimum duration for an abrupt shift in EEG frequency to be scored as an arousal during NREM sleep?

Accepted Answer

3 seconds

Answer

An arousal is defined as an abrupt shift in EEG frequency (to alpha, theta, and/or frequencies >16 Hz) that lasts for at least 3 seconds. It must also be preceded by at least 10 continuous seconds of sleep.

Question 5

When scoring an arousal during Stage R sleep, what additional criterion must be met besides the 3-second EEG frequency shift?

Accepted Answer

A concurrent increase in submental EMG for at least 1 second.

Answer

Scoring an arousal during REM sleep has a stricter requirement than in NREM. In addition to the abrupt 3-second EEG frequency shift, there must be a concurrent increase in the submental (chin) EMG lasting for at least 1 second.

BRPT - Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Practice Test

BRPT - Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Practice Test

FREE BRPT AASM Scoring of Sleep Stages and Arousals Questions and Answers