FREE RST Scoring, Documentation & Reporting Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to AASM scoring rules, what is the minimum duration required to score an apnea event?

Accepted Answer

10 seconds

Answer

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) scoring rules, an apnea event in adults is defined as a complete cessation or near-complete cessation of airflow for a minimum duration of 10 seconds. This standardized duration ensures consistency and accuracy in diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing events. It helps distinguish significant breathing pauses from normal respiratory variations.

Question 2

Which of the following is required to score a hypopnea in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

≥30% airflow reduction with ≥3% desaturation or arousal

Answer

According to AASM scoring criteria for adults, a hypopnea is scored when there is a discernible reduction in airflow of at least 30% from baseline, lasting for at least 10 seconds. This reduction must also be accompanied by either an oxygen desaturation of 3% or greater, or an associated arousal from sleep. Both criteria (airflow reduction and physiological impact) must be met.

Question 3

How is the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) calculated?

Accepted Answer

Number of events per hour of sleep

Answer

The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is a key metric used to quantify the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. It is calculated by dividing the total number of apneas and hypopneas recorded during the study by the total sleep time, expressed in hours. This provides a standardized measure of how many breathing disturbances occur per hour of actual sleep, directly reflecting the impact on sleep quality.

Question 4

Which EEG finding is required to score a sleep spindle?

Accepted Answer

11-16 Hz activity lasting ≥0.5 seconds

Answer

Spindles are 11-16 Hz waveforms lasting ≥0.5 seconds, characteristic of N2 sleep.

Question 5

What is the minimum duration of elevated chin EMG activity required to score an arousal during REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

≥0.5 seconds

Answer

Transient muscle activity (TMA) in REM must last <0.5 seconds to avoid being scored as REM without atonia.

RST - Registered Sleep Technologist Practice Test

RST - Registered Sleep Technologist Practice Test

FREE RST Scoring, Documentation & Reporting Questions and Answers