Several patients have been hospitalized for diagnosis of neurologic problems. Which patient will the nurse assess first?

Question

a. Patient with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) returning from carotid duplex studies
b. Patient with a brain tumor who has just arrived on the unit after a cerebral angiogram
c. Patient with a seizure disorder who has just completed an electroencephalogram (EEG)
d. Patient prepared for a lumbar puncture whose health care provider is waiting for assistance

Answer 1

ANS: B
Because cerebral angiograms require insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery, bleeding is a possible complication. The nurse will need to check the pulse, blood pressure, and the catheter insertion site in the groin as soon as the patient arrives. Carotid duplex studies and EEG are noninvasive. The nurse will need to assist with the lumbar puncture as soon as possible, but monitoring for hemorrhage after cerebral angiogram has a higher priority.