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.
The technician will measure your head and use a pencil to mark
where electrodes will be attached to your scalp. These spots are then
scrubbed with a special cream that helps the electrodes get a high-quality
reading.
The technician will put a sticky 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.
Once the test begins, the electrodes send electrical impulse data
from your brain to the 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.
You may be directed by the technician 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.
The EEG usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After the test is complete, the technician 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 418421.
Dirksen, Heitkemper & Lewis. Medical Surgical Nursing: Assessment and
Management of Clincal Problems (5th Edition) (2000). Pages 355-390.