What should be done in the case of pulse artifact during EEG monitoring?

When dealing with pulse artifact during EEG monitoring, slightly displacing the electrode is the most effective approach to reduce the artifact without compromising the integrity of the data being collected. Pulse artifacts typically arise from the rhythmic pulsations of underlying blood vessels that can obscure the true electrical activity of the brain. By slightly adjusting or displacing the electrode, you can minimize the interference caused by these pulsations and improve the clarity of the recorded EEG signals.

This method effectively allows for a better capture of the brain's electrical activity since it alters the electrical field being picked up by the electrode, potentially avoiding direct contact with the sources of the pulse artifacts.

Other options, such as increasing the sensitivity setting or applying gel to the electrode, may not address the issue effectively. Increasing the sensitivity could amplify the pulse artifact along with the brain signals, possibly leading to misinterpretation of the data. Applying gel primarily enhances electrode conductivity but does not inherently address the specific issue of pulse artifactual interference during monitoring. Changing electrode locations might also not resolve the issue, as the pulse artifact could still be present regardless of the electrode's spot, depending on the individual's vascular anatomy and the relation to the underlying brain activity.