RST Sleep Disorders and Pathophysiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 68-year-old male patient's bed partner reports that he frequently "acts out his dreams," sometimes punching or kicking, which has resulted in injury.
A polysomnogram confirms the presence of REM sleep without atonia.
These findings are most strongly associated with an increased future risk of developing which neurodegenerative disorder?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Huntington's disease

Answer

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST common underlying medical condition associated with the pathophysiology of Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

Accepted Answer

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Answer

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Answer

Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

Answer

Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Question 3

A patient describes an irresistible urge to move their legs, which is worse in the evening and temporarily relieved by movement. According to the essential diagnostic criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), which feature is required for a clinical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Worsening of symptoms during periods of rest or inactivity.

Answer

The presence of periodic limb movements on a polysomnogram.

Answer

The symptoms are exclusively present during sleep.

Answer

A complete resolution of symptoms with dopaminergic medication.

Question 4

A 19-year-old patient reports being unable to fall asleep before 2:00 AM, regardless of their efforts. When allowed to sleep on their own schedule, such as on weekends, they sleep soundly from 2:30 AM until 11:00 AM and feel rested. This pattern is most characteristic of which sleep disorder?

Accepted Answer

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

Answer

Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

Answer

Insomnia Disorder

Answer

Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder

Question 5

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying Narcolepsy Type 1?

Accepted Answer

A significant loss of hypocretin/orexin-producing neurons.

Answer

Degeneration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

Answer

Overactivity in the dopaminergic pathways of the basal ganglia.

Answer

Instability of respiratory control centers in the medulla.

Question 6

The pathophysiology of NREM parasomnias, such as sleepwalking (somnambulism) and sleep terrors, is best understood as a disorder of:

Accepted Answer

Incomplete arousal from slow-wave sleep.

Answer

REM sleep atonia failure.

Answer

Circadian rhythm misalignment.

Answer

Excessive daytime sleepiness.