EEG Patient Safety and Ethics 2

Question 1

What is the primary safety concern when performing EEG on a patient in the ICU with external ventricular drains?

Accepted Answer

Risk of infection or displacement of the drain during electrode application

Answer

Risk of photic-induced seizures

Answer

Interference from the drain's electrical signal

Answer

Need for sedation during the recording

Question 2

During an EEG recording, a patient begins to have a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. What is the technologist's first priority?

Accepted Answer

Continue recording and immediately stop all activation procedures

Answer

Turn off the EEG machine to protect the equipment

Answer

Restrain the patient to prevent movement artifact

Answer

Remove all electrodes before calling for help

Question 3

What infection control measure is required when applying reusable EEG electrodes between patients?

Accepted Answer

Electrodes must be disinfected or sterilized according to facility protocol between each patient

Answer

Rinsing electrodes with tap water is sufficient

Answer

Electrodes only need cleaning if visible contamination is present

Answer

Alcohol wipe of the electrode surface is the only requirement

Question 4

A patient's family member requests a copy of the EEG report. Under what condition can the technologist release this information?

Accepted Answer

Only after obtaining proper written authorization consistent with HIPAA regulations

Answer

The technologist can release it immediately upon request

Answer

Only if the family member is a healthcare provider

Answer

Reports can never be shared with family members

Question 5

What precaution should be taken when performing EEG on a patient with a suspected skull fracture or recent craniotomy?

Accepted Answer

Avoid placing electrodes over or applying pressure to the affected area, and consult with the clinical team

Answer

No special precautions are needed — standard application applies

Answer

EEG is absolutely contraindicated in these patients

Answer

Only use subdermal needle electrodes at the affected site

Question 6

Informed consent for EEG should include information about which potential discomfort or risk?

Accepted Answer

Skin irritation from electrode adhesive and small possibility of seizure provocation during activation procedures

Answer

Risk of permanent brain damage from the recording

Answer

Risk of electric shock from the EEG machine

Answer

Radiation exposure during the recording