Abstracts

PREVENTING SKIN BREAKDOWN IN EEG PATIENTS

Abstract number : 2.004
Submission category : 2. Professionals in Epilepsy Care
Year : 2013
Submission ID : 1708163
Source : www.aesnet.org
Presentation date : 12/7/2013 12:00:00 AM
Published date : Dec 5, 2013, 06:00 AM

Authors :
J. Mullen, W. Morton, R. Vara

Rationale: Proficient placement of electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on a patient is a vital part of executing neurotelemetry in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). These electrodes are attached to the patient s head to record seizures and locate the focal point of the activity to appropriately plan patient care. It is important to recognize the potential complications of using electrodes, such as acquiring skin breakdown at the electrode sites. Purpose/ PICO Question: What is the best practice for applying EEG electrodes to prevent skin breakdown in the pediatric population? Methods: A team consisting of Epileptologists, EMU technicians, wound care team, and nursing was gathered to work on reducing skin breakdown in the EMU. A literature review was performed in addition to benchmarking with other pediatric facilities. Constant collaboration within this team resulted in a standardized care and placement of electrodes based on evidenced based practice (EBP) with accurate documentation of patient assessment findings. Prior to placement of EEG electrodes, staff nurses perform initial skin assessment and documentation. The electrode placement and securement are done according to the study completed by Lau et. al. (2011). In addition, staff nurses perform skin assessments, including test for blanching, twice a shift during prolonged EEG monitoring and at the completion of the study. If there is a change in the skin assessment, the physician is notified to consider removal of leads and referrals to Wound Ostomy Care Nurses (WOC) are made. Results: We want to prevent pressure ulcers from happening, and we want to ensure that we are capturing pre-ulcers and are able to intervene appropriately. These practices were implemented in November of 2012. Since that time, we have had a decrease in the rate of pressure ulcers by 60%.Conclusions: The findings of this study could be implemented throughout the institution in addition to other facilities to prevent device related pressure ulcers secondary to EEG electrodes.
Interprofessional Care