A nurse is caring for a client post-endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. What is the priority nursing intervention during the immediate postoperative period?

A) Incorrect - While angioplasty may be effective for some cases of PAD, it is not always the best treatment option and may not be suitable for everyone.

B) Incorrect - Surgical bypass grafting is an option for severe cases of PAD, but it may not be the most effective treatment for all clients.

C) Incorrect - Amputation is considered a last resort for PAD and is only considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted and the limb is at risk for gangrene or life-threatening complications.

D) Correct - Medical management with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and regular exercise, is often the first-line treatment for PAD. This approach aims to improve blood flow and manage symptoms before considering more invasive interventions.

A) Correct - Monitoring for signs of stroke is the priority during the immediate postoperative period for a client who underwent carotid artery endarterectomy. The procedure involves removing plaque buildup from the carotid artery, which can potentially dislodge and cause a stroke.

B) Incorrect - Assessing the surgical incision for bleeding is important, but it is not the priority when compared to monitoring for signs of stroke after a carotid endarterectomy.

C) Incorrect - Administering pain medications is essential for the client's comfort, but it is not the priority during the immediate postoperative period when there is a higher risk of stroke.

D) Incorrect - Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is a standard postoperative nursing intervention, but it is not the priority in this situation. The focus should be on monitoring for stroke symptoms.