Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a nurse taking care of a client who is recovering from a carotid endarterectomy.
When caring for a client recovering from a carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which assessment finding should alert the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?
A. Dyspnea
B. Lower extremity edema
C. Bradycardia
D. Unilateral facial droop
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
D. Unilateral facial droop
Rationale: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a procedure where blood flow to the brain is restored by removing plaque buildup within the artery. One of the possible complications of the CEA procedure is a perioperative stroke from plaque embolization. Dyspnea could indicate pulmonary embolism (PE) which originates in the venous system and travels to the pulmonary circulation. Bradycardia and lower extremity edema are not potential complications of CEA.
Main takeaway
One of the possible complications of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a stroke from plaque embolization.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. Dyspnea
Rationale: Dyspnea could indicate pulmonary embolism (PE), which is not a complication of CEA.
B. Lower extremity edema
Rationale: Lower extremity edema is not a complication of CEA.
C. Bradycardia
Rationale: Bradycardia is not a complication of CEA.
References
Lewis, S. L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. M. & Harding, M. M. (2017). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
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