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

This response is the most therapeutic and professional. It validates the patient's feelings, provides education to demystify the process, and offers reassurance. This approach builds rapport and trust, which can help alleviate anxiety and improve the patient's ability to sleep during the study.

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

A score of 11-15 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale is interpreted as indicating moderate excessive daytime sleepiness. This is a clinically significant finding that provides important context for the polysomnogram and should be communicated to the interpreting physician. A score of 0-10 is considered normal.

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

Proper education on equipment care, hygiene, and the importance of consistent use is fundamental to ensuring long-term patient success with PAP therapy. Technologists must not advise patients to change prescribed pressures, guarantee outcomes, or recommend medications, as these actions are outside their scope of practice and potentially dangerous.

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

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is characterized by the loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep, leading to dream-enacting behaviors which can be violent. It is most common in older males and is a critical piece of history to note, as it may require additional monitoring, such as limb EMGs, and has associations with neurodegenerative diseases.

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

Opioids are central nervous system depressants that can suppress respiratory drive, leading to central apneas or hypoventilation. They can also relax upper airway muscles, which can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea. It is critical for the technologist to document the use of these medications for the interpreting physician.

RST - Registered Sleep Technologist Practice Test

RST - Registered Sleep Technologist Practice Test

FREE RST Patient Assessment and Education Questions and Answers