(3) Monitor the patient carefully following the procedure. Adverse reactions
including headache, vertigo, syncope, nausea, tinnitus, respiratory distress, change in
vital signs, meningitis, and fever should be reported to the professional nurse.
(4)
Give the patient increased fluids for at least 24 hours after the
procedure.
(5) Inform the patient that the physician will report the results of the lumbar
puncture as soon as they are available.
(6)
Ensure the comfort and safety of the patient.
(7)
Remove equipment from bedside and dispose of properly.
(8)
Record the procedure in the patient's chart.
2-19. ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM
a. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain wave activity.
(1)
Electrodes are attached to specific areas of a patient's scalp.
(2) Electrical impulses are received and transmitted to a machine called an
electroencephalograph, which magnifies the impulses and records them on moving
strips of paper. (Much the same as an electrocardiogram.)
b. Diagnostic uses for EEG.
(1)
To determine the presence and type of epilepsy.
(2)
Aid in diagnosis of intracranial lesions.
(3) To evaluate the brain's electrical activity in metabolic disease, head
injury, meningitis, and encephalitis.
(4)
To confirm brain death.
c. Nursing implications.
(1) Review the patient's clinical record to determine the reason for the
patient's scheduled electroencephalography and what the patient has been told about
the procedure.
MD0919
2-26