Data Analysis & Reporting Flashcards

Which AASM-recommended derivation is used as the primary airflow channel for scoring apneas?

Answer: Oronasal thermal sensor

The oronasal thermal sensor is the recommended channel for identifying apneas (complete cessation of airflow), while nasal pressure is used for hypopneas.

A final PSG report shows sleep onset latency of 45 minutes. How should this be interpreted?

Answer: Mildly prolonged

Normal sleep onset latency is ≤20 minutes; 45 minutes is mildly to moderately prolonged but not at the severely delayed threshold.

When reporting CPAP titration results, the optimal pressure is the level that eliminates:

Answer: Obstructive apneas, hypopneas, RERAs, and snoring in all sleep stages and positions

Optimal CPAP pressure abolishes obstructive apneas, hypopneas, RERAs, and snoring across all sleep stages and body positions.

A movement artifact on the EEG that is most likely caused by the patient's heartbeat is called:

Answer: Ballistocardiogram artifact

Ballistocardiogram artifact appears as rhythmic EEG deflections synchronized with the cardiac cycle caused by movement of electrode leads with each heartbeat.

According to AASM rules, a central apnea must have absent respiratory effort and last at least:

Answer: 10 seconds

A central apnea requires cessation of airflow for ≥10 seconds with no associated respiratory effort throughout the event.

In pediatric PSG scoring, the apnea-hypopnea index threshold for considering treatment in children is:

Answer: AHI ≥1 event/hour

AASM guidelines consider an AHI ≥1 event/hour abnormal in children, a lower threshold than the adult standard of ≥5.

Which sleep architecture change is most commonly reported in patients with severe OSA?

Answer: Increased REM latency and suppressed REM percentage

Severe OSA typically fragments sleep and suppresses REM sleep, resulting in prolonged REM latency and reduced REM percentage.