ABCN in Polysomnography (PSG) Practice Exam
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of Polysomnography (PSG)?
A) To evaluate lung volumes
B) To assess sleep architecture and diagnose sleep disorders
C) To measure blood glucose levels
D) To test cognitive performance
Answer: B
Explanation: PSG records multiple physiological parameters during sleep, making it essential for
diagnosing sleep disorders and analyzing sleep architecture.
Question 2: Which statement best defines Polysomnography?
A) A method for measuring daytime alertness
B) A diagnostic tool that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing
C) A technique used exclusively for sleep therapy
D) A method to evaluate digestive function
Answer: B
Explanation: Polysomnography involves recording various physiological signals during sleep, including
EEG, EOG, EMG, respiratory parameters, and heart rate.
Question 3: What historical advancement significantly improved the evolution of sleep studies?
A) The development of portable EEG devices
B) The introduction of continuous blood pressure monitoring
C) The integration of multiple physiological recordings in one study
D) The discovery of REM sleep
Answer: C
Explanation: The integration of various physiological recordings in one comprehensive study greatly
advanced the field of sleep medicine.
Question 4: Which component is NOT typically included in a standard PSG study?
A) Electroencephalography (EEG)
B) Electrooculography (EOG)
C) Electrogastrography (EGG)
D) Electromyography (EMG)
Answer: C
Explanation: Electrogastrography, which measures stomach activity, is not typically part of a PSG study,
unlike EEG, EOG, and EMG.
Question 5: Who is primarily responsible for administering and monitoring a PSG study?
A) Cardiologist
B) Sleep technologist
C) Radiologist
D) Neurologist
Answer: B
Explanation: A sleep technologist is trained to set up, monitor, and score PSG studies, ensuring accurate
data collection.
,Question 6: What does the abbreviation AHI stand for in PSG?
A) Average Hypoxia Index
B) Apnea-Hypopnea Index
C) Arterial Heart Interval
D) Amplitude of Hypnogram Indicator
Answer: B
Explanation: AHI stands for Apnea-Hypopnea Index, which quantifies the severity of sleep apnea by
counting apneas and hypopneas per hour.
Question 7: Which of the following is a primary purpose of using pulse oximetry in PSG?
A) To measure brain activity
B) To monitor oxygen saturation during sleep
C) To record muscle tone
D) To detect leg movements
Answer: B
Explanation: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood, which is crucial for identifying
desaturation events during sleep studies.
Question 8: What type of sensor is used in PSG to monitor airflow?
A) Thermistor
B) Pressure transducer
C) Accelerometer
D) Gyroscope
Answer: A
Explanation: Thermistors, often in the form of nasal cannulas or thermistors placed near the nose, are
used to detect airflow changes during sleep.
Question 9: In PSG, what is the main function of the EEG?
A) To record heart rate variability
B) To capture electrical activity of the brain
C) To measure respiratory effort
D) To monitor blood oxygen levels
Answer: B
Explanation: EEG records the electrical activity of the brain, providing critical information about sleep
stages and abnormalities.
Question 10: What does the term “artifact” refer to in a PSG study?
A) A recording error or distortion not related to physiological signals
B) A type of sleep disorder
C) A new technological device
D) A specific type of EEG waveform
Answer: A
Explanation: Artifacts are extraneous signals or distortions in the recordings that are not part of the
actual physiological data.
Question 11: Which sleep stage is primarily characterized by rapid eye movements and muscle atonia?
A) N1
,B) N2
C) N3
D) REM
Answer: D
Explanation: REM sleep is marked by rapid eye movements and almost complete muscle paralysis,
distinguishing it from non-REM stages.
Question 12: What does the abbreviation RDI stand for in sleep studies?
A) Respiratory Disturbance Index
B) Rapid Desaturation Index
C) Respiratory Delay Indicator
D) Resting Discomfort Index
Answer: A
Explanation: RDI refers to the Respiratory Disturbance Index, which includes apneas, hypopneas, and
respiratory effort-related arousals.
Question 13: How is a hypopnea defined in PSG scoring?
A) A complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds
B) A reduction in airflow accompanied by oxygen desaturation or arousal
C) A brief awakening without respiratory changes
D) An increase in respiratory effort without airflow change
Answer: B
Explanation: Hypopneas are defined as a significant reduction in airflow accompanied by oxygen
desaturation or an arousal from sleep.
Question 14: What is the primary role of respiratory effort belts in PSG?
A) To monitor brain waves
B) To assess chest and abdominal movements during breathing
C) To measure oxygen saturation
D) To record leg movements
Answer: B
Explanation: Respiratory effort belts are used to monitor chest and abdominal movements, helping to
differentiate between obstructive and central apneas.
Question 15: Which device is commonly used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea during a
PSG study?
A) CPAP machine
B) EEG cap
C) Thermistor
D) Actigraph
Answer: A
Explanation: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are frequently used both in therapy
and sometimes during split-night PSG studies to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Question 16: Which of the following best describes the sleep cycle?
A) A continuous state of wakefulness
B) A pattern of alternating non-REM and REM stages throughout the night
, C) A period of constant REM sleep
D) A sequence that only includes deep sleep
Answer: B
Explanation: The sleep cycle consists of alternating periods of non-REM and REM sleep that repeat
cyclically throughout the night.
Question 17: What are circadian rhythms?
A) Random fluctuations in sleep quality
B) Natural, internal processes that regulate the sleep–wake cycle over a 24-hour period
C) Sudden changes in sleep stages
D) Episodes of muscle movement during sleep
Answer: B
Explanation: Circadian rhythms are intrinsic 24-hour cycles that influence various physiological
processes, including the sleep–wake cycle.
Question 18: Which brain region is primarily associated with the regulation of sleep-wake cycles?
A) Occipital lobe
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla oblongata
Answer: B
Explanation: The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating sleep and wakefulness, particularly through
the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Question 19: How do homeostatic and circadian systems differ in sleep regulation?
A) Homeostatic processes promote wakefulness, while circadian rhythms induce sleep
B) Homeostatic processes build sleep pressure the longer one is awake, while circadian rhythms dictate
the timing of sleep
C) Both systems function identically
D) Circadian rhythms are only active during daytime
Answer: B
Explanation: The homeostatic system increases sleep pressure the longer a person is awake, while the
circadian system controls the timing of sleepiness and alertness.
Question 20: Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with promoting wakefulness?
A) Melatonin
B) GABA
C) Orexin (hypocretin)
D) Serotonin
Answer: C
Explanation: Orexin (hypocretin) is known for promoting wakefulness and regulating arousal; its
deficiency is linked to narcolepsy.
Question 21: What characterizes the N1 stage of sleep?
A) High amplitude delta waves
B) The transition from wakefulness to sleep with low-voltage, mixed-frequency EEG activity
C) Rapid eye movements and muscle atonia
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of Polysomnography (PSG)?
A) To evaluate lung volumes
B) To assess sleep architecture and diagnose sleep disorders
C) To measure blood glucose levels
D) To test cognitive performance
Answer: B
Explanation: PSG records multiple physiological parameters during sleep, making it essential for
diagnosing sleep disorders and analyzing sleep architecture.
Question 2: Which statement best defines Polysomnography?
A) A method for measuring daytime alertness
B) A diagnostic tool that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing
C) A technique used exclusively for sleep therapy
D) A method to evaluate digestive function
Answer: B
Explanation: Polysomnography involves recording various physiological signals during sleep, including
EEG, EOG, EMG, respiratory parameters, and heart rate.
Question 3: What historical advancement significantly improved the evolution of sleep studies?
A) The development of portable EEG devices
B) The introduction of continuous blood pressure monitoring
C) The integration of multiple physiological recordings in one study
D) The discovery of REM sleep
Answer: C
Explanation: The integration of various physiological recordings in one comprehensive study greatly
advanced the field of sleep medicine.
Question 4: Which component is NOT typically included in a standard PSG study?
A) Electroencephalography (EEG)
B) Electrooculography (EOG)
C) Electrogastrography (EGG)
D) Electromyography (EMG)
Answer: C
Explanation: Electrogastrography, which measures stomach activity, is not typically part of a PSG study,
unlike EEG, EOG, and EMG.
Question 5: Who is primarily responsible for administering and monitoring a PSG study?
A) Cardiologist
B) Sleep technologist
C) Radiologist
D) Neurologist
Answer: B
Explanation: A sleep technologist is trained to set up, monitor, and score PSG studies, ensuring accurate
data collection.
,Question 6: What does the abbreviation AHI stand for in PSG?
A) Average Hypoxia Index
B) Apnea-Hypopnea Index
C) Arterial Heart Interval
D) Amplitude of Hypnogram Indicator
Answer: B
Explanation: AHI stands for Apnea-Hypopnea Index, which quantifies the severity of sleep apnea by
counting apneas and hypopneas per hour.
Question 7: Which of the following is a primary purpose of using pulse oximetry in PSG?
A) To measure brain activity
B) To monitor oxygen saturation during sleep
C) To record muscle tone
D) To detect leg movements
Answer: B
Explanation: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood, which is crucial for identifying
desaturation events during sleep studies.
Question 8: What type of sensor is used in PSG to monitor airflow?
A) Thermistor
B) Pressure transducer
C) Accelerometer
D) Gyroscope
Answer: A
Explanation: Thermistors, often in the form of nasal cannulas or thermistors placed near the nose, are
used to detect airflow changes during sleep.
Question 9: In PSG, what is the main function of the EEG?
A) To record heart rate variability
B) To capture electrical activity of the brain
C) To measure respiratory effort
D) To monitor blood oxygen levels
Answer: B
Explanation: EEG records the electrical activity of the brain, providing critical information about sleep
stages and abnormalities.
Question 10: What does the term “artifact” refer to in a PSG study?
A) A recording error or distortion not related to physiological signals
B) A type of sleep disorder
C) A new technological device
D) A specific type of EEG waveform
Answer: A
Explanation: Artifacts are extraneous signals or distortions in the recordings that are not part of the
actual physiological data.
Question 11: Which sleep stage is primarily characterized by rapid eye movements and muscle atonia?
A) N1
,B) N2
C) N3
D) REM
Answer: D
Explanation: REM sleep is marked by rapid eye movements and almost complete muscle paralysis,
distinguishing it from non-REM stages.
Question 12: What does the abbreviation RDI stand for in sleep studies?
A) Respiratory Disturbance Index
B) Rapid Desaturation Index
C) Respiratory Delay Indicator
D) Resting Discomfort Index
Answer: A
Explanation: RDI refers to the Respiratory Disturbance Index, which includes apneas, hypopneas, and
respiratory effort-related arousals.
Question 13: How is a hypopnea defined in PSG scoring?
A) A complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds
B) A reduction in airflow accompanied by oxygen desaturation or arousal
C) A brief awakening without respiratory changes
D) An increase in respiratory effort without airflow change
Answer: B
Explanation: Hypopneas are defined as a significant reduction in airflow accompanied by oxygen
desaturation or an arousal from sleep.
Question 14: What is the primary role of respiratory effort belts in PSG?
A) To monitor brain waves
B) To assess chest and abdominal movements during breathing
C) To measure oxygen saturation
D) To record leg movements
Answer: B
Explanation: Respiratory effort belts are used to monitor chest and abdominal movements, helping to
differentiate between obstructive and central apneas.
Question 15: Which device is commonly used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea during a
PSG study?
A) CPAP machine
B) EEG cap
C) Thermistor
D) Actigraph
Answer: A
Explanation: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are frequently used both in therapy
and sometimes during split-night PSG studies to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Question 16: Which of the following best describes the sleep cycle?
A) A continuous state of wakefulness
B) A pattern of alternating non-REM and REM stages throughout the night
, C) A period of constant REM sleep
D) A sequence that only includes deep sleep
Answer: B
Explanation: The sleep cycle consists of alternating periods of non-REM and REM sleep that repeat
cyclically throughout the night.
Question 17: What are circadian rhythms?
A) Random fluctuations in sleep quality
B) Natural, internal processes that regulate the sleep–wake cycle over a 24-hour period
C) Sudden changes in sleep stages
D) Episodes of muscle movement during sleep
Answer: B
Explanation: Circadian rhythms are intrinsic 24-hour cycles that influence various physiological
processes, including the sleep–wake cycle.
Question 18: Which brain region is primarily associated with the regulation of sleep-wake cycles?
A) Occipital lobe
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla oblongata
Answer: B
Explanation: The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating sleep and wakefulness, particularly through
the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Question 19: How do homeostatic and circadian systems differ in sleep regulation?
A) Homeostatic processes promote wakefulness, while circadian rhythms induce sleep
B) Homeostatic processes build sleep pressure the longer one is awake, while circadian rhythms dictate
the timing of sleep
C) Both systems function identically
D) Circadian rhythms are only active during daytime
Answer: B
Explanation: The homeostatic system increases sleep pressure the longer a person is awake, while the
circadian system controls the timing of sleepiness and alertness.
Question 20: Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with promoting wakefulness?
A) Melatonin
B) GABA
C) Orexin (hypocretin)
D) Serotonin
Answer: C
Explanation: Orexin (hypocretin) is known for promoting wakefulness and regulating arousal; its
deficiency is linked to narcolepsy.
Question 21: What characterizes the N1 stage of sleep?
A) High amplitude delta waves
B) The transition from wakefulness to sleep with low-voltage, mixed-frequency EEG activity
C) Rapid eye movements and muscle atonia
