Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

Which diagnostic tool is useful for evaluating patients experiencing morning headaches possibly related to a sleep disorder?

1. Chest CT Scan

2. Polysomnography

3. Serum Blood Test

4. Pulmonary Function Test

The correct answer is: Polysomnography

Polysomnography is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating sleep disorders, particularly when patients present with symptoms such as morning headaches. This sleep study monitors various physiological parameters, including brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and respiratory patterns during sleep. By providing a comprehensive assessment of sleep architecture and potential disturbances, polysomnography enables healthcare professionals to identify conditions such as sleep apnea, which is commonly associated with morning headaches due to disrupted sleep and inadequate oxygenation. Recognizing the relationship between sleep disorders and headaches is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. For instance, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to significant daytime fatigue and headaches that stem from a lack of restorative sleep and intermittent hypoxia. The other options, while relevant to different types of medical evaluation, do not directly address the need to study sleep patterns and disturbances. A chest CT scan primarily evaluates lung structures and conditions like pulmonary pathology, a serum blood test might reveal systemic issues but lacks sleep-specific information, and a pulmonary function test assesses respiratory function but does not provide insights into sleep-related issues. Thus, polysomnography stands out as the specialized tool for diagnosing sleep disorders that could contribute to morning headaches.