A 76-year-old male client is brought to the clinic by his daughter. The daughter states that her father has had 2 transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in the past week. The physician orders carotid angiography, and the report reveals that the carotid artery has been narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. What treatment option does the nurse expect the physician to offer this client to increase blood flow to the brain?

Question

A 76-year-old male client is brought to the clinic by his daughter. The daughter states that her father has had 2 transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in the past week. The physician orders carotid angiography, and the report reveals that the carotid artery has been narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. What treatment option does the nurse expect the physician to offer this client to increase blood flow to the brain?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carotid endarterectomy is the surgical removal of the plaque from the carotid artery to increase blood flow to the brain. This is the most common treatment option for narrowing of the carotid artery caused by atherosclerotic plaques. Stint placement may be used in some cases, but it is not as effective as carotid endarterectomy. Removal of the carotid artery is not typically done unless there are rare circumstances. Percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty is a procedure used to widen a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, not the carotid artery.

A 76-Year-Old Male Client Is Brought to the Clinic by His