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

Electrode application near external ventricular drains (EVDs) poses risks of infection (introducing pathogens near the surgical site) and mechanical displacement of the drain. Careful coordination with nursing and neurosurgery is essential.

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

The technologist's first priority is to ensure patient safety while continuing the recording. This means stopping any activation procedures (hyperventilation, photic stimulation) and ensuring the patient is safe from injury, while keeping the EEG recording to capture the seizure.

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

Reusable EEG electrodes must undergo proper disinfection or sterilization between patients to prevent transmission of infections, following facility-specific protocols and manufacturer guidelines.

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

Protected health information including EEG reports can only be released with proper authorization from the patient (or legal representative) in compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations.

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

Electrode application over skull fractures or recent craniotomy sites requires avoiding direct pressure on the area, using alternative electrode positions, and coordinating with the clinical team to prevent complications.

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG Patient Safety and Ethics 2