A nurse is giving a presentation to a community group about preventing atherosclerosis. Which of the following should the nurse include as a modifiable risk factor for this disorder? (Select all that apply).
Family history
High blood pressure
Obesity
Age
Lack of physical activity
Gender
Correct Answer : B,C,E,G
A) Family history: Family history is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. While individuals cannot change their genetic predisposition, awareness of family history can inform lifestyle choices and risk assessments. Those with a family history should be particularly vigilant about managing other risk factors.
B) High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a modifiable risk factor that can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. Effective management of hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
C) Obesity: Obesity is another modifiable risk factor. Individuals can manage their weight through healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Reducing obesity can improve overall cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
D) Age: Age is a non-modifiable risk factor. As people age, the risk for atherosclerosis naturally increases due to various biological changes. While aging itself cannot be altered, awareness of age-related risks can prompt individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
E) Lack of physical activity: This is a modifiable risk factor. Increasing physical activity can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to overall heart health.
F) Gender: Gender is also a non-modifiable risk factor. While certain genders may have different risks at various life stages (e.g., men often have a higher risk at a younger age), this characteristic cannot be changed. Understanding gender-related risks can aid in tailoring preventive strategies but does not offer a means of modification.
G) Smoking: Smoking is a critical modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall health. Smoking cessation should be a priority for individuals looking to prevent or manage atherosclerosis effectively.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "For confirmed diagnosis of hypertension, the BP readings should be higher than normal on 2 or more separate occasions.": This statement accurately reflects the criteria for diagnosing hypertension. According to guidelines, a diagnosis is typically confirmed when blood pressure readings consistently exceed normal levels (usually defined as 130/80 mm Hg) on two or more separate visits.
B. "For confirmed diagnosis of hypertension, BP readings should be lower than normal on only one occasion.": This statement is incorrect. A single low reading does not confirm a diagnosis of hypertension. In fact, it contradicts the concept of hypertension, which involves consistently high readings.
C. "For confirmed diagnosis of hypertension, BP readings should be higher than normal on more than three separate occasions.": This statement is misleading. While multiple readings are often taken, the threshold for diagnosis is two or more elevated readings, not three.
D. "For confirmed diagnosis of hypertension, the BP readings should be higher than normal on only one occasion.": This statement is inaccurate, as a single elevated reading is not sufficient for diagnosis. Consistent elevations over multiple occasions are necessary for a confirmed diagnosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Apply cold therapy to the affected leg: Cold therapy may be used for certain conditions to reduce swelling and pain, but in the case of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) indicated by redness, warmth, tenderness, and pain in the calf, cold therapy is not appropriate. Instead, the focus should be on confirming the diagnosis before applying any treatment.
B) Monitor Homan's sign: Homan's sign involves dorsiflexion of the foot to assess for pain in the calf, which can suggest DVT. However, it is no longer considered a reliable diagnostic tool. Instead, confirmation through imaging or other diagnostic measures is preferred, so simply monitoring this sign would not be sufficient in this situation.
C) Obtain a venous duplex ultrasound: A venous duplex ultrasound is the gold standard for
diagnosing DVT. Given the client’s symptoms—redness, warmth, tenderness, and pain in the calf—the appropriate order is to obtain this ultrasound to confirm the presence of a thrombus. This imaging study provides critical information for diagnosis and subsequent management.
D) Obtain impedance plethysmography: While impedance plethysmography can assess venous flow and help diagnose DVT, it is less commonly used than venous duplex ultrasound. The more direct and widely accepted method for diagnosing DVT in this scenario is the ultrasound, making this option less suitable as the initial order.