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. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.

This is an appropriate recommendation. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend maintaining systolic BP below 130 mm Hg to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in individuals with a history of stroke or TIA.

B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.

This is slightly above the recommended range. While systolic BP below 135 mm Hg is generally recommended for individuals with a history of stroke or TIA, a range of 130-135 mm Hg may still be acceptable based on individual patient factors and risk assessments.

C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.

This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg may be considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.

D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.

This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP above 140 mm Hg is generally considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.

A. Nystagmus:

Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes, which can be rapid and jerky. It is a common neurological manifestation of phenytoin toxicity. Patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity may exhibit horizontal or vertical nystagmus, which can be detected upon physical examination.

B. Strabismus:

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or squint, refers to a misalignment of the eyes. While strabismus can have various causes, it is not typically associated with phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus.

C. Blurry vision:

Blurry vision, or visual disturbances, can occur in patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity. However, it is a non-specific symptom and can be observed in various other conditions as well. Patients with phenytoin toxicity may experience blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), or other visual disturbances due to the effects of the medication on the central nervous system.

D. Amblyopia:

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition characterized by reduced vision in one or both eyes. It is typically associated with visual development during childhood and is not directly related to phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus or other neurological manifestations.