POSM 105 - Clinical Practicum I

(TP/SS only)

A supervised introductory clinical practicum in area sleep laboratories. Students apply the concepts learned in POSM 104 and other courses as they interview patients, explain procedures, attach polysomnography equipment to patients, and perform basic polysomnographic studies under the watchful eyes of preceptors and faculty. PREREQUISITE(S): Consent of department. COREQUISITE(S): POSM 102 , POSM 103 , and POSM 104 . Nine hours practica each week. Formerly PO 105.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Recognize barriers to effective communication.
Apply principles of infection control to patient situations.
Attach all instruments to patients.
Choose correct montage based on patient orders and procedure.
Determine the validity of clinical data from monitoring equipment.
Differentiate between wake and sub-classifications of sleep according to professionally accepted guidelines.
Distinguish medication effect on the polysomnogram.
Monitor B/P, EEG, EOG, ECG, EMG, oximetry, and capnometry readings.
Document environmental changes and patient behaviors.
Distinguish between EEG patterns to accurately document sleep onset and sleep stages.
Create a polysomnogram recording that is clear and conforms to professional standards.
Interview patients to obtain pertinent data related to possible sleep disorder.
Assess patients’ cardiopulmonary and neurological systems for aberration.
Determine special needs of individual patients based on age, culture, and presence of physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities.
Orient patients to the sleep lab and procedures.
Report critical assessment criteria to supervisor or medical doctor (MD).
Initiate emergency procedures such as CPR and airway management.
Administer supplemental oxygen.

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