NBRC SDS Practice Exam Study Guide Latest Update 2026 | Pass
Exam Prep
1. If a 12-year-old patient with a tracheostomy tube shows an AHI of 0.5 but has
a mean SpO2 of 85% while breathing air, what could be a potential concern?
Possible hypoxemia
Normal respiratory function
No need for further evaluation
Increased sleep efficiency
2. When discussing therapeutic goals with a patient regarding CPAP, it is helpful
for a sleep disorders specialist to
mandate at least 4 hours use per night 70% of the time
listen to the patient's questions and concerns
remind the patient of the expenses associated with treatment
reinforce the increased mortality related associated with untreated
OSA
3. In a sleep study, if a patient exhibits a pattern of breathing that alternates
between obstructive and central apneas, how should the scoring be
categorized?
Obstructive
Complex
Mixed
Central
,4. If a sleep disorders specialist documents a specific cardiac rhythm during
REM sleep, what subsequent action should they take if the patient exhibits
symptoms of distress?
Adjust the patient's sleep position
Notify the medical director
Increase the CPAP pressure immediately
Continue monitoring without intervention
5. Interpret the significance of the oxygen flow rates in relation to the patient's
saturation levels during CPAP therapy for OSA.
As the flow rate of supplemental oxygen increases, the patient's
oxygen saturation improves, indicating better oxygenation.
The oxygen saturation levels are not affected by the flow rate of
oxygen.
Higher flow rates of oxygen are unnecessary if the patient is on CPAP
therapy.
The patient's oxygen saturation remains constant regardless of the
flow rate of oxygen.
6. A patient with sleep apnea has been prescribed a new continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) device to use while sleeping. Which of the following
should be included in the education provided to the patient?
The importance of sleeping medications
The importance of sleeping in a supine position
Proper use of the device to maintain the airway
Eating a large meal immediately before bed
, 7. Describe the role of the THOR channel in the context of biocalibrations
during sleep studies.
The THOR channel records brain activity to diagnose sleep disorders.
The THOR channel measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
The THOR channel tracks heart rate variability.
The THOR channel monitors thoracic movements, which are
essential for assessing respiratory patterns during sleep studies.
8. Why is it critical for a sleep disorders specialist to prioritize patient
evacuation in the event of smoke in the facility?
It ensures the immediate safety of patients who may be vulnerable
or unable to respond quickly.
It allows time to gather patient records for documentation.
It minimizes disruption to the sleep study process.
It provides an opportunity to extinguish the fire before evacuation.
9. If a sleep technician notices that the snore sensor is not detecting any sounds
during the study, what should they do next?
Adjust the patient's sleeping position without checking the sensor.
Ignore the issue and continue with the study.
Replace the snore sensor with a new one immediately.
Verify the placement of the snore sensor by asking the patient to
perform a sustained humming sound.
10. A nurse is discussing the fire safety with newly hired nurses. Which of the
following identify as the priority if a fire occurs in the health care facility?
Exam Prep
1. If a 12-year-old patient with a tracheostomy tube shows an AHI of 0.5 but has
a mean SpO2 of 85% while breathing air, what could be a potential concern?
Possible hypoxemia
Normal respiratory function
No need for further evaluation
Increased sleep efficiency
2. When discussing therapeutic goals with a patient regarding CPAP, it is helpful
for a sleep disorders specialist to
mandate at least 4 hours use per night 70% of the time
listen to the patient's questions and concerns
remind the patient of the expenses associated with treatment
reinforce the increased mortality related associated with untreated
OSA
3. In a sleep study, if a patient exhibits a pattern of breathing that alternates
between obstructive and central apneas, how should the scoring be
categorized?
Obstructive
Complex
Mixed
Central
,4. If a sleep disorders specialist documents a specific cardiac rhythm during
REM sleep, what subsequent action should they take if the patient exhibits
symptoms of distress?
Adjust the patient's sleep position
Notify the medical director
Increase the CPAP pressure immediately
Continue monitoring without intervention
5. Interpret the significance of the oxygen flow rates in relation to the patient's
saturation levels during CPAP therapy for OSA.
As the flow rate of supplemental oxygen increases, the patient's
oxygen saturation improves, indicating better oxygenation.
The oxygen saturation levels are not affected by the flow rate of
oxygen.
Higher flow rates of oxygen are unnecessary if the patient is on CPAP
therapy.
The patient's oxygen saturation remains constant regardless of the
flow rate of oxygen.
6. A patient with sleep apnea has been prescribed a new continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) device to use while sleeping. Which of the following
should be included in the education provided to the patient?
The importance of sleeping medications
The importance of sleeping in a supine position
Proper use of the device to maintain the airway
Eating a large meal immediately before bed
, 7. Describe the role of the THOR channel in the context of biocalibrations
during sleep studies.
The THOR channel records brain activity to diagnose sleep disorders.
The THOR channel measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
The THOR channel tracks heart rate variability.
The THOR channel monitors thoracic movements, which are
essential for assessing respiratory patterns during sleep studies.
8. Why is it critical for a sleep disorders specialist to prioritize patient
evacuation in the event of smoke in the facility?
It ensures the immediate safety of patients who may be vulnerable
or unable to respond quickly.
It allows time to gather patient records for documentation.
It minimizes disruption to the sleep study process.
It provides an opportunity to extinguish the fire before evacuation.
9. If a sleep technician notices that the snore sensor is not detecting any sounds
during the study, what should they do next?
Adjust the patient's sleeping position without checking the sensor.
Ignore the issue and continue with the study.
Replace the snore sensor with a new one immediately.
Verify the placement of the snore sensor by asking the patient to
perform a sustained humming sound.
10. A nurse is discussing the fire safety with newly hired nurses. Which of the
following identify as the priority if a fire occurs in the health care facility?
