CPSGT flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Alpha rhythm

The alpha rhythm is an 8–13 Hz EEG rhythm over occipital regions when eyes are closed; it attenuates with eye opening.

Sleep spindle

A sleep spindle is a burst of 11–16 Hz EEG activity lasting at least 0.5 seconds, characteristic of N2 sleep.

K-complex

A K-complex is a negative sharp wave followed by a positive component, lasting at least 0.5 seconds, seen in N2 sleep.

Slow-wave activity

Slow-wave activity consists of EEG waves 0.5–2 Hz with peak-to-peak amplitude greater than 75 µV; it defines N3 when occupying at least 20% of an epoch.

REM sleep

REM sleep is a stage with low-amplitude mixed-frequency EEG, rapid eye movements, and the lowest chin EMG tone of the night.

Arousal scoring

An arousal is an abrupt EEG frequency shift lasting at least 3 seconds; in REM it requires a concurrent chin EMG increase of at least 1 second.

Apnea definition

An apnea is a ≥90% reduction in airflow lasting at least 10 seconds; it is obstructive when respiratory effort persists and central when effort is absent.

Hypopnea definition

A hypopnea is a ≥30% reduction in airflow lasting at least 10 seconds with ≥3% oxygen desaturation or an arousal.

Sleep efficiency

Sleep efficiency equals total sleep time divided by time in bed, multiplied by 100, and is reported as a percentage.

MSLT diagnostic criteria

The MSLT consists of five naps; a mean sleep latency ≤8 minutes plus at least two SOREMPs supports a narcolepsy diagnosis.

International 10-20 system

The international 10–20 system places electrodes using 10% and 20% distances between skull landmarks so EEG locations are reproducible across patients.

EEG impedance limit

EEG electrode impedance should generally be ≤5 kΩ before recording; higher impedance increases 60 Hz interference and signal loss.

EOG electrode placement

Left EOG is placed 1 cm below and 1 cm lateral to the left outer canthus; right EOG is placed 1 cm above and lateral to the right outer canthus.

Chin EMG placement

Chin EMG uses three electrodes: two below the chin and one above, arranged to record muscle tone without bridging.

Skin preparation

Skin preparation cleans the site with alcohol and mild abrasive to lower impedance while avoiding excessive abrasion that causes pain or bleeding.

Oximeter placement

The oximeter probe is placed on a warm, well-perfused finger; nail polish is removed and the waveform is checked for adequate signal.

Airflow sensor types

A nasal pressure cannula detects airflow reduction and hypopneas, while a thermistor detects temperature change and is better for identifying apnea.

Pre-study calibration

Before lights out, the technologist performs bio-calibration, checks impedances and signals, and documents any deviations from expected setup.

EEG sampling rate

EEG is recorded at a sampling rate of at least 200 Hz, commonly 200–500 Hz, to capture brief features needed for staging.

EEG filter settings

Standard EEG filter settings are a 0.3 Hz low-frequency filter and a 35 Hz high-frequency filter; changes are documented.

EMG filter settings

Chin EMG typically uses a 10 Hz low-frequency filter and a 100 Hz high-frequency filter to display muscle tone clearly.

60 Hz artifact

60 Hz artifact is electrical interference that appears as thick, regular high-frequency activity; check electrode impedance, ground, and cable routing.

Sweat artifact

Sweat artifact is a slow rolling baseline change caused by perspiration; drying the skin and improving electrode adhesion reduce it.

Event marker

An event marker is an annotation placed in the recording to identify snores, movements, interventions, or technical events for scoring.

Technologist note content

A technologist note documents medications, patient complaints, interventions, artifacts, lights out and on times, and unusual events.

Calibration signal

A calibration signal is a 50 µV square wave used to verify amplifier gain and channel response before the recording begins.

CPAP titration goal

CPAP titration adjusts positive airway pressure to eliminate apneas and hypopneas and to maintain SpO2 at or above 90%.

Oxygen titration

Oxygen titration adjusts supplemental oxygen flow per order to keep SpO2 at or above 90%, with flow and response documented.

Pre-study patient instructions

Before a sleep study, the technologist explains the sensors and procedure and instructs the patient to avoid caffeine and alcohol and wash hair.

Emergency response

For chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call for help, stay with the patient, and follow the emergency protocol.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is performed before and after patient contact and before applying or removing sensors to reduce infection transmission.

Scope of practice

An entry-level polysomnographic technician performs supervised tasks within training and escalates complex decisions or abnormal findings to a supervisor.