TheorySleep Tech RPSGT Study Guide
Study for the Sleep Tech RPSGT with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for Sleep Tech RPSGT
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
Try Sleep Tech RPSGT questions now
Q1Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. Which structure most commonly collapses to cause OSA?
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✓ Correct answer: Soft palate and posterior tongue base
In OSA, the pharyngeal soft tissues—particularly the soft palate, uvula, and posterior tongue base—collapse against the posterior pharyngeal wall, obstructing airflow. The trachea and hard palate are rigid and do not collapse.
Q2According to the AASM criteria, an apnea is scored when airflow drops by at least what percentage from baseline for ≥10 seconds?
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✓ Correct answer: 90%
An apnea requires a ≥90% drop in airflow from baseline lasting ≥10 seconds. A 30% drop defines a hypopnea, and 50% is not the threshold for either criterion.
Q3The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is calculated as the total number of apneas and hypopneas divided by:
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✓ Correct answer: Total sleep time in hours
AHI = (total apneas + hypopneas) / total sleep time (hours). Using total recording time would underestimate severity because awake time is excluded.
Q4An adult patient has an AHI of 22 events/hour with an oxygen desaturation nadir of 82%. How would this be classified by AASM severity criteria?
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✓ Correct answer: Moderate OSA
AHI 15–29.9 events/hour defines moderate OSA. Mild OSA is 5–14.9, and severe OSA is ≥30 events/hour. The oxygen nadir does not alter the AHI-based severity classification.
Q5On a PSG, an obstructive apnea differs from a central apnea primarily because:
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✓ Correct answer: Continued thoracoabdominal effort is present despite absent airflow
Obstructive apneas show persistent respiratory effort (paradoxical rib-cage/abdominal movement visible on effort belts) despite absent airflow, indicating airway obstruction. Central apneas lack both airflow and effort.
Q6Which of the following is the first-line recommended treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea?
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✓ Correct answer: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is the gold-standard first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA, effectively splinting the airway open pneumatically. Oral appliances are an alternative for mild-to-moderate OSA or CPAP-intolerant patients.
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