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What does an EEG of a person under general anesthesia look

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Final answer:

An EEG of a person under general anesthesia typically shows reduced brain activity that reflects the effects of anesthesia such as unconsciousness and immobility. Electroencephalography utilizes electrodes to measure electrical activity in the brain, providing valuable insight into a patient's brain state during anesthesia. Proper airway management like endotracheal intubation is crucial during this time.

Step-by-step explanation:

An EEG of a person under general anesthesia typically shows a significant reduction in brain activity. During general anesthesia, key effects such as immobility, analgesia, amnesia, unconsciousness, and reduced autonomic responsiveness to noxious stimuli are induced. EEG techniques measure the brain's electrical activity non-invasively by placing an array of electrodes around a person's head. The resulting readouts of the brainwaves can reveal changes in frequency and amplitude that occur while under anesthesia.

Endotracheal intubation is often used safely on patients under general anesthesia to maintain an open airway, due to the relaxation and potential obstruction caused by the tongue and respiration muscles. After surgery, as the anesthesiologist gradually changes the mixture of gases, the patient eventually awakens and normal breathing muscle function returns. This procedure protects the airway and ensures proper breathing during recovery from anesthesia.

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