RST Polysomnographic Recording Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a polysomnogram, the technologist observes a persistent, rhythmic 60 Hz waveform across multiple EEG and EOG channels. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this artifact?

Accepted Answer

Improper grounding of electrical equipment

Answer

Sweat artifact from the patient

Answer

Patient's heartbeat (ECG artifact)

Answer

Movement of the patient's head on the pillow

Question 2

According to AASM guidelines for recording chin EMG, what is the correct placement for the three recommended electrodes?

Accepted Answer

Two on the submental muscle group and one on the mentalis muscle.

Answer

One on the tip of the chin, and two on the masseter muscles bilaterally.

Answer

One under the left jawline, one under the right jawline, and one on the forehead as a reference.

Answer

Three electrodes placed in a line directly under the inferior edge of the mandible.

Question 3

A technologist is preparing to place respiratory effort belts on an adult patient. To ensure an accurate recording of paradoxical breathing, the thoracic belt should be placed at the level of the:

Accepted Answer

Axilla (under the armpits)

Answer

Umbilicus

Answer

Lower costal margin

Answer

Clavicle

Question 4

During physiological calibrations, the technologist observes that when the patient looks to the left, the E1 (left eye) and E2 (right eye) channels produce in-phase deflections. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

A reversed electrode placement in the E1 or E2 derivation.

Answer

A normal and expected physiological response.

Answer

The patient is not following instructions correctly.

Answer

EEG artifact is contaminating the EOG channels.

Question 5

Which of the following describes the primary purpose of using the International 10-20 System for EEG electrode placement in polysomnography?

Accepted Answer

To ensure electrode placement is standardized and reproducible across different patients and labs.

Answer

To minimize the total number of electrodes required for the study.

Answer

To place electrodes directly over specific anatomical sleep centers of the brain.

Answer

To reduce the impedance levels of the scalp electrodes.

Question 6

A patient's recording shows an abrupt shift in EEG frequency lasting 5 seconds, accompanied by a sudden increase in chin EMG amplitude during Stage N2 sleep. According to AASM scoring criteria, this event would most likely be scored as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Arousal

Answer

Sleep spindle

Answer

K-complex

Answer

Epoch of wakefulness