A nurse is teaching about transient ischemic attacks. Which information should be included?

• A. TIAs are primarily caused by hemorrhage.
• B. TIAs are unrelated to stroke risk.
• C. TIAs always cause permanent deficits.
• D. A TIA can precede an ischemic stroke.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that transient ischemic attacks are brief periods of brain ischemia that produce focal neurologic symptoms that resolve as blood flow returns. Because the blockage is temporary, there is usually no lasting deficit, but TIAs are a critical warning sign: they indicate a real risk of a subsequent ischemic stroke. That’s why the statement that a TIA can precede an ischemic stroke is the best choice—it captures the clinical significance and urgency of TIAs.

Why the other ideas aren’t correct: TIAs are not caused by hemorrhage; they’re due to transient ischemia, so attributing them to hemorrhage is inaccurate. Saying TIAs are unrelated to stroke risk ignores the well-established link between TIAs and an elevated risk of future stroke. And TIAs do not consistently cause permanent deficits—the hallmark is that symptoms resolve, typically with no lasting neurological change.