FREE RST Patient Assessment and Education Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient arrives for their sleep study and expresses significant anxiety, stating, "I'm worried I won't be able to sleep with all those wires on." What is the technologist's most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

"I understand your concern. Let me explain each sensor's purpose as I apply it, and we'll make you as comfortable as possible."

Answer

"Don't worry, most people eventually fall asleep."

Answer

"We can ask the doctor for a sleeping pill if you can't sleep."

Answer

"The doctor ordered this test, so it's very important that you try your best to sleep."

Question 2

A patient completes the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as part of their pre-study assessment and scores a total of 15. How should the technologist interpret this score?

Accepted Answer

It suggests a significant level of daytime sleepiness that should be noted for the interpreting physician.

Answer

It indicates a low level of daytime sleepiness.

Answer

It is within the normal range and requires no special attention.

Answer

It likely indicates the patient was not truthful on the questionnaire.

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical component of patient education provided *after* a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and a successful PAP titration study?

Accepted Answer

Providing information on mask cleaning, equipment maintenance, and the importance of adherence.

Answer

Instructing the patient on how to change their own pressure settings at home based on how they feel.

Answer

Guaranteeing that PAP therapy will completely resolve all symptoms within one week.

Answer

Recommending specific over-the-counter sleep aids to use in conjunction with PAP therapy.

Question 4

During the pre-study interview, a 68-year-old male patient reports frequently and violently acting out his dreams, sometimes resulting in injury to his bed partner. This history is most suggestive of which potential parasomnia?

Accepted Answer

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

Answer

Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)

Answer

Night Terrors (Sleep Terrors)

Answer

Confusional Arousals

Question 5

When assessing a patient's medication list prior to a polysomnogram, which class of drugs is well-known to suppress the respiratory drive, potentially worsening sleep-disordered breathing?

Accepted Answer

Opioids

Answer

Statins

Answer

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Answer

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Question 6

What is the primary reason for a technologist to ask a patient about their typical sleep schedule (bedtime, wake time, naps) during the pre-study assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify a potential circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder or insufficient sleep syndrome.

Answer

To determine the final cost of the sleep study.

Answer

To schedule the technologist's break time during the night.

Answer

To decide which brand of electrodes and sensors to use for the setup.