A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has a preliminary diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following diagnostic testing should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?

A. A continuous seizure state in which seizures occur in rapid succession:

This describes status epilepticus, a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or continuous seizures. It is not related to the concept of an aura.

B. A sensory warning that a seizure is imminent:

This is the correct answer. An aura is a subjective sensation or symptom that acts as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur. Auras can vary widely among individuals and may include visual, auditory, olfactory, or other sensory experiences.

C. A period of sleepiness following the seizure during which arousal is difficult:

This describes the postictal state, which occurs after a seizure. During this period, the individual may experience confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty arousing from sleep. It is not specifically related to the concept of an aura.

D. A brief loss of consciousness accompanied by staring:

This describes an absence seizure, characterized by a brief loss of awareness and a blank stare. Absence seizures typically do not have an aura preceding them.

A.Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)

This is a likely diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. CTA uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and neck. It can help identify areas of stenosis, occlusion, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels that may contribute to the TIA symptoms.

B. Complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine laboratory test that assesses various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While it may not be specific to diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), it can help evaluate for underlying conditions such as anemia or thrombocytosis that could contribute to TIA symptoms or increase the risk of stroke.

C. Prothrombin time (PT)

Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test that evaluates the clotting ability of blood and is typically used to monitor anticoagulant therapy. While abnormal coagulation parameters may be associated with certain conditions that predispose to TIA (such as atrial fibrillation), PT alone is not a specific diagnostic test for TIA.

D. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

This is another possible diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. TEE is a specialized echocardiogram that provides detailed images of the heart structures by inserting an ultrasound probe