Ateneo de Zamboanga University College of Nursing

NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO) Report No. 2 Electroencephalograph

Description: An electroencephalogram detects abnormalities in the brain waves or electrical activity of the brain. During the procedure, electrodes consisting of small metal discs with thin wires are pasted on the scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that may be printed out on paper. Your doctor then interprets the reading. Related procedures that may be performed are evoked potential studies. These studies are used to measure electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch. Please see this procedure for additional information.

Materials/ Equipment Needed:

Ryles tube Measured volume of water Prescribed feed 50 ml syringe Stethoscope

Procedures: 1. You will be asked to lie down on your back in a reclining chair or on a bed. attached to your scalp. These spots are then scrubbed with a special cream that helps the electrodes get a high-quality reading. cky gel adhesive on 16 to 25 electrodes and will place these electrodes at various spots on your scalp. The electrodes look like flat metal disks. recording machine. This machine converts the electrical impulses into visual patterns that can be seen on a screen and are saved to a computer. On the screen, the electrical impulses look like wavy lines with peaks and valleys.

to do certain things while the test is in progress, such as lie still, close your eyes, breathe deeply or quickly, or look at stimuli like a flashing light or a picture. nician will remove the electrodes.

Diagram/ Illustration

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Before the procedure

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure. You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. Wash your hair with shampoo, but do not use a conditioner the night before the test. Do not use any hair care products, such as hairspray or gels. Notify your doctor of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking. Discontinue using medications that may interfere with the test if your doctor has directed you to do so. Do not stop using medications without first consulting your doctor. Avoid consuming any food or drinks containing caffeine for eight to12 hours before the test. Follow any directions your doctor gives you about reducing your sleep the night before the test. Some EEG tests require that you sleep through the procedure and some do not. The night before, adults may not be allowed to sleep more than four or five hours, and children not more than five to seven hours, if the EEG is to be performed while the patient is sleeping. Avoid fasting the night before or day of the procedure, since low blood sugar may influence the results.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

During the procedure An EEG may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Generally, an EEG procedure follows this process:

You will be asked to relax in a reclining chair or lie on a bed. Between 16 and 25 electrodes will be attached to your scalp with a special paste, or a cap containing the electrodes will be used. You will be asked to close your eyes, relax, and be still. Once the recording begins you will need to remain still throughout the test. You may be monitored through a window in an adjoining room to observe any movements that can cause an inaccurate reading, such as swallowing or blinking. The recording may be stopped periodically to let you rest or reposition yourself. After the initial recording performed at rest, you may be tested with various stimuli to produce activity that does not show up while you are resting. For example, you may be asked to breathe deeply and rapidly for three minutes, or you may be exposed to a bright light. This study is generally performed by an EEG technician and may take approximately 45 minutes to two hours. If you are being evaluated for a sleep disorder, the EEG may be performed while you are asleep.

After the procedure Once the test is complete, the electrodes will be removed and the electrode paste will be washed off with warm water, acetone, or witch hazel. In some cases, you may need to wash your hair again at home. If any sedatives were taken for the test, you may be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off. You will need to have someone drive you home. Skin irritation or redness may be present at the locations where the electrodes were placed, but this will wear off in a few hours. Your doctor will inform you as to when to resume any medications you stopped taking before the test. Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

References: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Nursing procedures (5th ed) (2009). Pages 418-421.

Dirksen, Heitkemper & Lewis. Medical Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clincal Problems (5th Edition) (2000). Pages 355-390.