In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 4, which focuses on neurologic diagnostic procedures used to assess brain structure, cerebral blood flow, electrical activity, and overall neurologic function. This episode walks through common neurologic assessments and imaging studies, including cerebral angiography, CT scans, EEGs, Glasgow Coma Scale scoring, lumbar punctures, MRI, PET and SPECT scans, and radiographic imaging. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibilities before, during, and after each procedure, including informed consent, patient preparation, safety considerations, and complication monitoring. You’ll hear detailed explanations of contrast use, sedation considerations, positioning, and post-procedure assessments, as well as key patient education points that frequently appear on exams. This review is designed to help nursing students confidently prepare patients for neurologic procedures, recognize complications early, and apply evidence-based nursing care in both acute and diagnostic settings.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 4