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 by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?



Correct Answer: C


This statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching, as it is incorrect and shows a misunderstanding of the EEG procedure. 

 

An EEG is a test that records the electrical activity of your brain using electrodes attached to your scalp . The test does not involve any injection of dye or contrast, as it is not an imaging test that requires enhancing the visibility of structures or fluids within the body . The test is non-invasive and painless, and does not expose you to any radiation or harmful substances .

 

Choice A is wrong because "I may need to hyperventilate during the test." This statement by the patient is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Hyperventilation is a method of provocation that may be used during the EEG to trigger or enhance epileptic activity in the brain . Hyperventilation involves breathing deeply and rapidly for a few minutes, which can lower the carbon dioxide level in the blood and cause changes in the brain's electrical activity .

 

Choice B is wrong because "I may need to have flashing lights during the test." This statement by the patient is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Photic stimulation is another method of provocation that may be used during the EEG to trigger or enhance epileptic activity in the brain . Photic stimulation involves exposing the patient to a flashing light of varying frequency and intensity, which can stimulate the visual cortex and cause changes in the brain's electrical activity .

 

Choice D is wrong because "I may need to have sleep deprivation before the test." This statement by the patient is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Sleep deprivation is a condition that may be required before the EEG to increase the likelihood of detecting abnormal brain activity or seizures . Sleep deprivation involves staying awake for most or all of the night before the test, which can alter the brain's electrical activity and make it more sensitive to provocation methods .




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