Assisting with an Electroencephalography (EEG) procedure involves preparing the patient, supporting the neurologist or technician, and ensuring accurate, artifact-free recordings of brain activity.
Definition
It refers to the recording of electrical activity of the brain, using multiple electrodes on the scalp. Brain waves may be recorded at rest, after hyperventilation, with photic light stimulation and during sleep.
Purposes for Electroencephalography
To assess and diagnose:
- Seizures.
- Brain tumors.
- Brain abscess.
- Subdural hematomas.
- Cerebral infarcts.
- Intracranial hemorrhage.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Mental retardation.
- Drug overdose.
Procedure for Electroencephalography
The procedure is performed in a special unit.
| Nursing action | Rationale | |
| 1. | Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct that no shock will be applied and it is a painless procedure. | Helps in obtaining cooperation of the patient. |
| 2. | Obtain an informed consent. | Protects staff and institution from legalities. |
| 3. | Withhold medications, such as anticonvulsants, stimulants, tranquilizers, and depressants for 24-48 hours before the procedure. | This may alter the brainwave activity. |
| 4. | Withhold tea, cola, and chocolates before the procedure. Smoking should. be restricted for 24 hours before the procedure. | These products may stimulate brain activity. |
| 5. | Wash patient’s hair thoroughly with shampoo and dry hair completely about 6 hours prior to the procedure. Tell patient not to apply conditioners or oil after shampooing. | Oil interferes with the conduction of electrical activity. |
| 6. | If sleep study is ordered, the adult patient should sleep as little as possible the night before. | Induces sleep to the patient during the test. |
| 7. | Foods should not be withheld. | Decrease in blood glucose level interferes with brain activity. |
| 8. | Make the patient to lie in a recumbent position and fasten electrodes to the scalp. | |
| 9. | Instruct patient to lie still during procedure. | Movement may affect the recording. |
| 10. | After the procedure is done, record the procedure in nurse’s record with date, time, and patient’s response to the procedure. |
Postprocedural care
- Allow the patient to rest after the test. If a sedative was given during the test, raise bedside rails.
- Tell patient that skin irritation from the electrodes usually disappears within few hours.
- Wash hair after the test.
- If a repeat testing is necessary, provide explanation and support to the patient.
- Watch for seizures.
- Obtain fresh order to resume drugs if they were withheld for the procedure.
Special Consideration
- Reassure the patient that the test is non-invasive and painless, as this can help reduce anxiety.
- Ensure the patient’s scalp is clean and free of oils, hair products, or other residues. A shampoo the day before the test is often recommended.
- Inform the patient to avoid caffeine or stimulants before the test, as these can affect brain activity.
- Verify if the patient is on any medications that may need to be adjusted or withheld prior to the EEG, as instructed by the physician.
- If a sleep-deprived EEG is required, instruct the patient to limit their sleep the night before the test.
- Ensure the patient is comfortably seated or lying down to minimize movement during the test.
- Assist in applying electrodes to the scalp using conductive gel or paste. Ensure proper placement according to the 10-20 system for accurate readings.
- Check that all electrodes are securely attached to prevent artifacts in the recording.
- Encourage the patient to remain still and relaxed, as movement can interfere with the results.
- Gently remove the electrodes and clean the scalp to ensure the patient’s comfort.
- Provide instructions for washing off any remaining gel or paste at home.
- Monitor the patient for any immediate reactions, especially if sedatives were used during the test.
- Discuss follow-up steps, such as when and how the results will be shared.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
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