When preparing a patient with COPD for a PSG, which potential issue should a technologist be cautious of?

When preparing a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for a polysomnography (PSG), it is essential to be especially attentive to low nocturnal oxygen levels. Patients with COPD often experience compromised lung function, which can lead to insufficient oxygen exchange during sleep. During a PSG, the technologist must be vigilant about monitoring the patient’s oxygen saturation levels since these can drop during sleep due to airway obstruction or hypoventilation. This drop can result in nighttime hypoxemia, which can have serious consequences for patients with existing respiratory issues.

In addition to monitoring oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen may be necessary during the test for some patients to ensure they maintain adequate oxygenation throughout the night. Addressing this issue helps in providing a more comprehensive assessment of the patient's sleep patterns and associated respiratory function, which are critical for managing their condition effectively.