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:











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

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 (5
th
ed) (2009). Pages 418-421.

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