Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

If a child with Down syndrome is struggling to learn new material, which diagnostic test might be considered to rule out a common issue?

1. EEG

2. Polysomnography

3. CT scan

4. MRI

The correct answer is: Polysomnography

Polysomnography would be a relevant diagnostic test for a child with Down syndrome who is experiencing difficulties with learning new material, primarily because children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for sleep disorders. These sleep disorders can significantly impact cognitive functioning, attention, and learning abilities. By assessing the child's sleep patterns and identifying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, healthcare providers can better understand underlying physiological factors contributing to the learning challenges. In this context, simply ruling out sleep disorders can help ensure that any educational interventions or treatments are more effectively tailored to the child's needs. Recognizing and addressing sleep issues can lead to improvements in overall functioning and learning. EEG, while valuable for assessing electrical activity in the brain, typically focuses on diagnosing seizure disorders or other neurological conditions rather than sleep quality directly. CT scans and MRIs primarily provide structural brain imaging and are not specifically designed to evaluate the sleep patterns or potential sleep disorders impacting cognitive performance. Therefore, polysomnography stands out as the most pertinent choice in this scenario.