The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and moderate carotid stenosis who has undergone a carotid endarterectomy. Which of the following postoperative findings would cause the nurse the most concern?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and moderate carotid stenosis who has undergone a carotid endarterectomy. Which of the following postoperative findings would cause the nurse the most concern?



a) Blood pressure (BP): 128/86 mm Hg


b) Neck pain: 3/10 (0 to 10 pain scale)


c) Mild neck edema


d) Difficulty swallowing



Answer: Difficulty swallowing