Page 2011 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

F. Electroencephalography
1. Description: Graphic recording of the electrical activity
of the superficial layers of the cerebral cortex

2. Preprocedure interventions

a. Wash the client’s hair.
b. Inform the client that electrodes are
attached to the head and that
electricity does not enter the head.
c. Withhold stimulants such as coffee, tea,
and caffeine beverages;
antidepressants; tranquilizers; and
possibly antiseizure medications for 24
to 48 hours before the test as
prescribed.
d. Allow the client to have breakfast if
prescribed.
e. Premedicate for sedation as prescribed.
3. Postprocedure interventions
a. Wash the client’s hair.

b. Maintain safety precautions, if

the client was sedated.
G. Caloric testing (oculovestibular reflex)
1. Description: Caloric testing provides information
about the function of the vestibular portion of cranial
nerve VIII and aids in the diagnosis of cerebellar and
brainstem lesions.
2. Procedure
a. Patency of the external auditory canal is
confirmed.
b. The client is positioned supine with the
head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
c. Water that is warmer or cooler than
body temperature is infused into the
ear.
d. A normal response is the onset of
vertigo and nystagmus (involuntary
eye movements) within 20 to 30
seconds.
e. Absent or disconjugate eye movements
indicate brainstem damage.
III. Neurological Assessment (see Chapter 12 for additional information on
neurological assessment)

A. Assessment of risk factors

1. Trauma

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