Free RST Therapeutic Interventions & Patient Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step in initiating CPAP therapy for a patient with OSA?
- Immediately set pressure to 15 cm H2O
- Select and fit an appropriate mask interface (Correct answer)
- Administer supplemental oxygen
- Start with bilevel PAP without assessment
Correct answer: Select and fit an appropriate mask interface
Proper mask fitting is essential for therapy adherence and effectiveness.
Question 2: Which parameter is critical to monitor during a CPAP titration study?
- Patient's shoe size
- Number of apneas/hypopneas at current pressure (Correct answer)
- Room temperature
- Pillow firmness
Correct answer: Number of apneas/hypopneas at current pressure
Residual respiratory events guide pressure adjustments during titration.
Question 3: What is the primary safety concern when using supplemental oxygen with PAP therapy?
- May cause excessive dreaming
- Fire hazard if near open flames (Correct answer)
- Will void the PAP warranty
- Changes mask color
Correct answer: Fire hazard if near open flames
Oxygen increases fire risk, especially near smoking materials.
Question 4: Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with CPAP-induced aerophagia?
- Immediately discontinue CPAP
- Gradually reduce pressure within therapeutic range (Correct answer)
- Switch to oral appliance without evaluation
- Recommend sleeping upright in a chair
Correct answer: Gradually reduce pressure within therapeutic range
Lowering pressure may reduce air swallowing while maintaining therapeutic effect.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a ramp feature on CPAP devices?
- To clean the internal tubing
- Gradually increase pressure to allow sleep initiation (Correct answer)
- To detect mask leaks
- To measure respiratory rate
Correct answer: Gradually increase pressure to allow sleep initiation
Ramp allows gradual pressure increase for patient comfort at sleep onset.
Question 6: Which patient scenario requires immediate intervention during a titration study?
- SpO2 drops to 82% for 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- Patient requests blanket adjustment
- Occasional snoring at current pressure
- Normal sleep stage cycling
Correct answer: SpO2 drops to 82% for 2 minutes
Significant oxygen desaturation indicates inadequate therapy.
Question 7: What is the recommended action for a patient with persistent mask leaks?
- Ignore leaks if AHI is normal
- Re-fit mask and check headgear tension (Correct answer)
- Double the prescribed pressure
- Switch to nasal cannula
Correct answer: Re-fit mask and check headgear tension
Mask refitting is the first step to address leaks before adjusting pressure.
Question 8: Which safety check must be performed before starting PAP therapy?
- Verify proper circuit connection and function (Correct answer)
- Confirm patient's eye color
- Check for recent haircuts
- Assess shoe size
Correct answer: Verify proper circuit connection and function
Circuit integrity checks prevent delayed recognition of disconnections.
Question 9: What is the primary goal when titrating oxygen with PAP therapy?
- Achieve SpO2 ≥88% during sleep (Correct answer)
- Eliminate all respiratory events
- Maximize EPAP pressure
- Prevent any snoring
Correct answer: Achieve SpO2 ≥88% during sleep
Oxygen supplementation aims to maintain adequate SpO2 during therapy.
Free RST Therapeutic Interventions & Patient Safety Questions and Answers
What is the first step in initiating CPAP therapy for a patient with OSA?