A student nurse is giving a presentation to a community group about measures to prevent atherosclerosis. Which of the following should the student nurse include as modifiable risk factors? (Select all that apply)
Family history
Tobacco use
Obesity
Elevated blood pressure
Genetic predisposition
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A reason: Family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis, as it reflects genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease. While it increases risk, it cannot be changed through lifestyle or medical interventions, unlike modifiable factors like smoking or hypertension, which directly contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Choice B reason: Tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. Smoking damages endothelial cells, promotes plaque formation, and increases oxidative stress in arteries. Quitting smoking reduces these effects, slowing atherosclerosis progression and lowering cardiovascular risk, making it a key target for prevention strategies.
Choice C reason: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis, as excess body fat contributes to dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation, all of which promote arterial plaque buildup. Weight loss through diet and exercise reduces these risks, improving lipid profiles and vascular health, making it a critical prevention focus.
Choice D reason: Elevated blood pressure is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. Hypertension damages arterial walls, accelerating plaque formation. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medications reduces shear stress on vessels, slowing atherosclerosis progression and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke.
Choice E reason: Genetic predisposition is a non-modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis, as inherited traits influence lipid metabolism and vascular health. While genetics cannot be altered, managing modifiable factors like diet or smoking can mitigate their impact, but genetic predisposition itself remains unchangeable in prevention strategies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing a sequential compression device is recommended post-surgery to prevent venous thromboembolism. It promotes venous blood flow in the legs, reducing stasis, a key risk factor for clot formation. This action supports VTE prevention by enhancing circulation, making it appropriate and not to be avoided.
Choice B reason: Elevating the feet post-surgery aids venous return, reducing blood pooling in the legs, a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. This action decreases stasis and supports circulation, making it a beneficial practice for VTE prevention, not one to avoid in postoperative recovery.
Choice C reason: Massaging the legs should be avoided post-surgery, as it risks dislodging a formed clot, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism. In clients at risk for VTE, massage can mobilize thrombi from deep veins, leading to life-threatening complications, making this a critical action to avoid.
Choice D reason: Ambulating soon after surgery is encouraged to prevent venous thromboembolism. Early mobility promotes venous blood flow, reducing stasis, a major risk factor for clot formation. This action supports circulation and VTE prevention, making it appropriate and not something to avoid in postoperative care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, do not diagnose pulmonary congestion, which is assessed via imaging or clinical signs like crackles. These enzymes (troponin, CK-MB) are released from damaged myocardial cells during an MI, indicating heart tissue injury rather than lung-related conditions like congestion.
Choice B reason: Cardiac enzymes do not assess heart structure or valve mobility, which are evaluated using imaging techniques like echocardiography. Enzymes like troponin and CK-MB are specific to myocardial damage, rising in the blood post-MI to indicate the extent of heart tissue injury, not structural details.
Choice C reason: Cardiac enzyme tests, particularly troponin and CK-MB, measure the degree of myocardial damage after an MI. These proteins are released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells die, with elevated levels correlating to the extent of tissue injury, aiding in assessing MI severity.
Choice D reason: Cardiac enzymes do not pinpoint the exact location of an MI. Localization is achieved through EKG changes or imaging like cardiac catheterization. Enzymes indicate the presence and extent of myocardial damage but lack specificity for identifying which coronary artery or heart region is affected.
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