Diagnostic Tests for Seizures
Diagnostic Tests for Seizures ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for an electroencephalogram (EEG). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)
because the test will not be done while you are asleep. An EEG can be done while you are asleep in some cases, such as when you have sleep disorders or nocturnal seizures, but this is not the standard procedure¹². You may be asked to stay awake the night before the test if you need to have an EEG while you are asleep¹.
because the EEG cannot be done with different electrode arrangements. The EEG electrode placement follows the International 10-20 system, which is a standardized method to describe and apply the location of scalp electrodes based on anatomical landmarks and proportional distances⁵⁶. The 10-20 system ensures consistency and reproducibility of EEG recordings across different centers and studies⁵⁶.
because the EEG cannot be done with contrast. Contrast is a substance that enhances the visibility of structures or fluids within the body in imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI scan⁷⁸. Contrast is not used in EEG, as it is a non-invasive and painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp⁷⁸.
because the EEG is usually done without sedation. Sedation is not routinely required for EEG, as it is a simple and safe test that does not cause pain or discomfort⁷⁸. Sedation may also affect the electrical activity of the brain that the EEG is trying to measure⁹. Sedation may be used in some cases, such as when children are unable to stay still or cooperate during the test, or when sleep-deprived EEG is needed
No explanation
Provocation refers to methods that may trigger or enhance epileptic activity in the brain, such as hyperventilation, photic stimulation, sleep deprivation, or cognitive tasks¹². Provocation can help diagnose photosensitive epilepsy, absence seizures, or other types of seizures that may not occur spontaneously during the EEG¹². However, provocation is not always necessary or feasible, depending on the patient's condition and the purpose of the EEG¹².
Video recording refers to capturing the patient's behavior and movements during the EEG, which can help correlate the clinical manifestations with the electrical activity of the brain³⁴. Video recording can help differentiate epileptic seizures from nonepileptic events, identify the type and onset of seizures, and evaluate the response to treatment³⁴. However, video recording is not always available or required, depending on the setting and the indication of the EEG³⁴.
Choice B is wrong because the EEG cannot be done with different electrode arrangements. The EEG electrode placement follows the International 10-20 system, which is a standardized method to describe and apply the location of scalp electrodes based on anatomical landmarks and proportional distances⁵⁶. The 10-20 system ensures consistency and reproducibility of EEG recordings across different centers and studies⁵⁶.
Choice C is wrong because the EEG cannot be done with contrast. Contrast is a substance that enhances the visibility of structures or fluids within the body in imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI scan⁷⁸. Contrast is not used in EEG, as it is a non-invasive and painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp⁷⁸.
Choice D is wrong because the EEG is usually done without sedation. Sedation is not routinely required for EEG, as it is a simple and safe test that does not cause pain or discomfort⁷⁸. Sedation may also affect the electrical activity of the brain that the EEG is trying to measure⁹. Sedation may be used in some cases, such as when children are unable to stay still or cooperate during the test, or when sleep-deprived EEG is needed