Your 85-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation has fallen at home. What is the most important order you should anticipate from the provider?

In the context of an 85-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation who has experienced a fall at home, anticipating a CT scan order is particularly important due to the potential for intracranial injury. Falls can lead to head trauma, and in elderly patients, the risk of severe complications such as hemorrhagic stroke increases, especially in those with a history of atrial fibrillation, which can predispose them to clotting or bleeding issues.

A CT scan is a rapid and non-invasive imaging technique that can quickly identify any acute brain injuries, such as hemorrhages or contusions, which would be a critical concern for this patient. Early detection of neurological damage is essential for timely intervention and management, which can significantly influence the patient's recovery and outcome.

While other investigations like an electrocardiogram could be essential for assessing the heart rhythm and potential cardiac concerns post-fall, and blood tests might be used to check clotting factors, the priority in this scenario is to rule out any serious intracranial injuries first, thus making the CT scan the most relevant and critical order to anticipate.