RPSGT Risk Management & Assessment Practice Questions

Question 1

A patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea is scheduled for a split-night study. Which condition would most contraindicate proceeding with CPAP titration in the second half of the night?

Accepted Answer

Patient reports chest pain during the diagnostic portion

Answer

New-onset chest pain during sleep testing is a medical emergency that requires stopping the study and contacting emergency services.

Question 2

During a polysomnography study, the technologist notices the patient's SpO2 has dropped to 78% for over 2 minutes without any associated EEG arousal. What is the FIRST action the technologist should take?

Accepted Answer

Visually check the patient via camera and verify probe placement

Answer

Before intervening, the technologist must verify the reading is accurate by checking probe placement and observing the patient, as artifact is a common cause of spurious desaturations.

Question 3

A patient informs the RPSGT that they took an extra dose of their prescribed opioid pain medication before arriving for their sleep study. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the supervising physician or medical director before starting the study

Answer

Altered medication dosing, especially with opioids, requires physician notification before proceeding because of significant risks to respiratory drive during sleep.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most significant fall risk factor specific to the sleep laboratory environment?

Accepted Answer

Darkened room with multiple electrode wires attached to the patient

Answer

The combination of low lighting for sleep and tethering wires from electrodes creates a unique tripping and falling hazard in the sleep lab environment.

Question 5

A sleep technologist witnesses a patient have a generalized tonic-clonic seizure during a study. After calling for help, which action is the NEXT priority?

Accepted Answer

Position the patient on their side to protect the airway

Answer

Positioning the patient laterally (recovery position) protects the airway from aspiration and is the primary safety intervention during a seizure.

RPSGT Exam Practice Test

RPSGT Exam Practice Test

RPSGT Risk Management & Assessment Practice Questions