NBRC SDS study plan

Map the full SDS exam content outline into a personal topic checklist covering sleep-focused testing and therapeutic intervention performed by respiratory therapists

Define and write out normal sleep architecture (N1, N2, N3, REM) with the EEG, EOG, and EMG features that distinguish each stage

Build a one-page reference of sleep-related respiratory physiology: control of breathing during wake and sleep, chemoreceptor response, and upper airway mechanics

List the common sleep-disordered breathing categories and write a one-sentence diagnostic definition for each

Assemble the standard polysomnography montage and justify each electrode or sensor placement in terms of what signal it captures

Explain the technical setup and troubleshooting for airflow, effort, oximetry, and body position channels

Differentiate sleep staging rules for adults and describe how pediatric staging criteria differ

Practice scoring a described epoch sequence and defend each stage call against the rules

Describe the indications, contraindications, and patient preparation steps for attended overnight polysomnography

Compare home sleep apnea testing to in-lab testing on channel count, scoring limitations, and appropriate patient selection

Outline the multiple sleep latency test and maintenance of wakefulness test protocols including patient instructions and scoring metrics

Identify artifacts and technical failures that invalidate a study and state the corrective action for each

Calculate the apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and respiratory disturbance index from provided raw counts and state which thresholds define severity

Interpret arousal, respiratory event, and desaturation scoring rules and apply them to written event scenarios

Explain how sleep efficiency, latency, and wake after sleep onset are derived and what each reveals clinically

Connect polysomnographic findings to likely treatment decisions for obstructive and central apnea patterns

Detail positive airway pressure modalities including CPAP, bilevel, auto-titrating, and adaptive servo-ventilation, naming the clinical pattern each is chosen for

Describe a manual PAP titration protocol: starting pressures, step increments, endpoint criteria, and how to respond to residual events or leaks

Explain mask selection, fit checks, humidification, and leak management as titration variables rather than afterthoughts

List adjunct and alternative therapies such as oral appliances, positional therapy, weight management, and surgical options with their indications

Outline the respiratory therapist's role in patient education, mask fitting, adherence coaching, and follow-up after PAP initiation

Interpret adherence and efficacy data from a PAP download report and identify the specific interventions indicated by poor numbers

Describe oxygen therapy and ventilation considerations in sleep-disordered breathing, including overlap syndrome and obesity hypoventilation

Explain how comorbidities such as heart failure, COPD, and neuromuscular disease alter sleep testing and therapy choices

Review pediatric, pregnancy, and older-adult considerations in sleep testing and therapy selection

Rehearse infection control, safety, and emergency readiness practices specific to the sleep laboratory environment

Consolidate all prior weeks into a single master review sheet organized by the exam content outline

Complete a full-length timed practice exam under realistic conditions and log every uncertain item

Rework every item in the error log until each can be explained aloud without notes

Drill the highest-frequency calculations and scoring rules to automatic recall

Rehearse concise explanations of titration decisions and adherence interventions as if teaching a colleague

Finalize a one-page pre-exam summary limited to facts you have repeatedly missed