Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPSGT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The device used to monitor airflow during polysomnography is a nasal cannula or thermistor. These tools are specifically designed to detect the flow of air in and out of the airways.

A nasal cannula consists of two prongs that fit into the nostrils and a tube that connects to a monitoring device. It measures the airflow by detecting changes in pressure or airflow rate effectively. A thermistor, on the other hand, is a temperature-sensitive resistor that detects changes in temperature caused by breathing, thereby indicating airflow.

In the context of polysomnography, accurate measurement of airflow is essential for diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. By utilizing these devices, clinicians can assess the presence and severity of respiratory events during sleep, providing crucial information in the evaluation process.

Other devices listed serve different functions: electrocardiogram leads monitor heart activity, a pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in the blood, and a body position sensor tracks the patient's position during sleep, none of which specifically measure airflow.