Technology & Tools Flashcards

Which artifact is characterized by a 60 Hz sinusoidal pattern superimposed on PSG channels and is MOST commonly caused by:

Answer: Alternating current (AC) electrical interference from nearby devices

60 Hz artifact (50 Hz outside North America) is caused by AC electrical interference from power lines, fluorescent lights, or nearby electrical devices.

During PSG, a technologist observes rhythmic, saw-tooth appearing artifact in the ECG channel that correlates with the patient's respiratory rate. This is MOST likely:

Answer: Respiratory baseline wander from electrode movement

Respiratory baseline wander in the ECG channel is caused by chest movement altering electrode-skin impedance rhythmically at the breathing rate.

CPAP heated humidification is used primarily to:

Answer: Prevent nasal dryness and improve CPAP adherence

Heated humidification adds warmth and moisture to the delivered air, reducing mucosal drying and irritation which are major causes of CPAP non-adherence.

A full-face mask (oronasal mask) is typically indicated over a nasal mask when a patient:

Answer: Is a confirmed mouth breather or has significant mouth leak

Mouth breathing or significant mouth air leak with nasal masks causes pressure loss and therapy ineffectiveness, making an oronasal mask the appropriate interface.

Which signal processing technique is used by APAP devices to distinguish true apneas from mask leak artifacts?

Answer: Proprietary algorithms analyzing flow signal shape, amplitude, and timing patterns

APAP devices use proprietary algorithms that analyze flow signal morphology, amplitude, timing, and response patterns to differentiate true respiratory events from leaks.

The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) as measured during PSG typically counts events where SpO2 drops by at least:

Answer: 4% from baseline

The most widely used definition of ODI counts SpO2 drops ≥4% from the preceding baseline, though some protocols use 3%.

Which PSG channel configuration is recommended by AASM for detecting bruxism during sleep?

Answer: Bilateral masseter EMG electrodes in addition to the standard submental EMG

AASM recommends adding bilateral masseter EMG electrodes supplementing standard submental EMG to improve bruxism detection sensitivity and specificity.