RPSGT Core Concepts & Fundamentals 4

Question 1

What is the AASM-defined minimum frequency for activity to qualify as a sleep spindle?

Accepted Answer

11 Hz

Answer

AASM defines sleep spindles as bursts of 11–16 Hz activity lasting 0.5–3 seconds.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct electrode derivation used to record the central EEG in standard PSG per AASM?

Accepted Answer

C4-M1

Answer

AASM recommends C4-M1 (with backup C3-M2) as the central EEG derivation for sleep staging.

Question 3

Slow-wave sleep (SWS) consists of which AASM sleep stage(s)?

Accepted Answer

N3 only

Answer

Under AASM guidelines, Stage N3 is equivalent to slow-wave sleep (formerly stages 3 and 4 combined).

Question 4

An arousal in PSG is defined as an abrupt shift in EEG frequency lasting at least how long?

Accepted Answer

3 seconds

Answer

AASM defines an arousal as an abrupt EEG frequency shift lasting at least 3 seconds, preceded by at least 10 seconds of sleep.

Question 5

What does the term 'hypnogram' represent in polysomnography?

Accepted Answer

A chart showing sleep stage progression across the recording period

Answer

A hypnogram is a visual summary graph plotting sleep stages on the Y-axis against time on the X-axis across the recording.

RPSGT Exam Practice Test