American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which diagnostic test uses EEG to assess brain wave changes in response to stimuli?

1. Functional MRI

2. CT scan

3. Evoked potential studies

4. Ultrasound

The correct answer is: Evoked potential studies

The correct answer is that evoked potential studies use EEG to assess brain wave changes in response to stimuli. This diagnostic test specifically measures the electrical activity in the brain when it responds to sensory stimuli, such as visual or auditory inputs. By placing electrodes on the scalp, the test records the brain's electrical responses, which can be analyzed to determine how well various regions of the brain are functioning. In contrast, functional MRI is a imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow, CT scans involve taking multiple X-ray images to provide detailed views of the body's organs and structures, and ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissue and is not related to assessing brain activity. Evoked potential studies are particularly valuable in evaluating conditions like multiple sclerosis, where monitoring the brain's response to stimuli can help assess the extent of central nervous system involvement.