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. Dizziness and problems with balance

While dizziness and problems with balance can occur more frequently in older adults due to age-related changes in the vestibular system and other factors, persistent or severe dizziness or balance issues should be evaluated further as they could indicate underlying neurological or medical conditions.

B. Slow papillary response to light

This finding may be considered abnormal, especially if it represents a significant change from the individual's baseline. While age-related changes in pupil function can occur, a slow or sluggish pupillary response to light may indicate dysfunction of the oculomotor nerve or other neurological issues and should be investigated further.

C. Jerky eye movements

Jerky eye movements, such as nystagmus, can be abnormal and may indicate dysfunction of the vestibular system or other neurological conditions. While some degree of nystagmus can occur with age, persistent or severe jerky eye movements should be evaluated further.

D. Absence of the Achilles tendon jerk

This finding may also be considered abnormal. The Achilles tendon reflex, tested using the deep tendon reflex (DTR) examination, can diminish with age but should not be completely absent in the absence of specific medical conditions affecting the reflex arc or spinal cord function.

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