FREE BRPT Pediatric Polysomnography Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to AASM guidelines, what is the minimum duration for scoring an obstructive apnea in an infant?

Accepted Answer

The duration of 2 breaths

Answer

The AASM manual specifies that for infants and children, an obstructive apnea is scored when there is a cessation of airflow for a duration of at least two missed breaths. This is accompanied by continued or increased inspiratory effort. This rule accounts for the much faster and more variable respiratory rate in infants compared to adults.

Question 2

Which of the following sleep stages is scored in infants but NOT in adults?

Accepted Answer

Indeterminate Sleep

Answer

Indeterminate Sleep is a unique stage scored in infants when an epoch cannot be clearly defined as Quiet Sleep (N), Active Sleep (R), or Wake. This stage acknowledges the frequent transitional and mixed-state periods that are characteristic of infant sleep architecture development.

Question 3

A central apnea in a child (older than 1 year) is scored if there is a cessation of airflow and effort lasting at least:

Accepted Answer

20 seconds, OR a shorter duration if associated with an arousal or ≥3% desaturation

Answer

For children over 1 year, a central apnea requires a duration of at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, it can be scored if it has a shorter duration (but must last for at least 2 breaths) and is associated with either an arousal or a 3% or greater oxygen desaturation.

Question 4

Which procedural adaptation is most critical for ensuring a successful PSG on a 5-year-old child?

Accepted Answer

Allowing a parent or caregiver to stay overnight in the room.

Answer

Allowing a parent or caregiver to co-sleep or stay in the room is a standard and highly recommended practice in pediatric polysomnography. The parent's presence provides comfort and security, which reduces child anxiety, improves cooperation during the hookup process, and leads to a more representative night of sleep.

Question 5

What is the minimum duration for scoring an arousal from NREM sleep in a school-aged child?

Accepted Answer

3 seconds

Answer

The scoring rule for arousals is consistent for adults and children. An arousal is defined as an abrupt shift in EEG frequency (to alpha, theta, and/or frequencies greater than 16 Hz) that lasts for at least 3 seconds, with at least 10 seconds of stable sleep preceding the change.

BRPT - Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Practice Test

BRPT - Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Practice Test

FREE BRPT Pediatric Polysomnography Questions and Answers