Modifiable risks factors for Hypertension are EXCEPT?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension, meaning it is a factor that cannot be changed or controlled.
The risk for hypertension increases with advancing age due to physiological changes, such as increased stiffness of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), which raises peripheral resistance.
Unlike the other options, which are related to lifestyle and behavior, the aging process is a natural and unalterable progression.

Option B: Obesity is a primary modifiable risk factor for hypertension. Excess body weight increases the heart's workload and is strongly associated with elevated blood pressure.
Option C: High salt (sodium) intake is a well-established modifiable dietary risk factor. Reducing sodium in the diet is a key non-pharmacological intervention for lowering blood pressure.
Option D: Excessive alcohol intake is a modifiable lifestyle risk factor. Consuming too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk Factors for Hypertension (Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient education is a core nursing responsibility. Nurses must teach patients how to manage modifiable risk factors to prevent or control hypertension and reduce the risk of complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
What if? If a patient has multiple non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., older age, a strong family history), the nurse's role in emphasizing strict control of all modifiable factors (diet, exercise, weight) becomes even more critical to mitigate the high overall risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword "EXCEPT" in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that does not fit the specified category.
The question asks for modifiable risk factors, so with "EXCEPT," you are actually searching for the non-modifiable risk factor.
Define the terms: A modifiable risk factor can be changed (e.g., diet, habits), while a non-modifiable one cannot (e.g., age, genetics).
Evaluate each option based on this definition.
Can a person change their 'Obesity' status, 'Salt intake', or 'Alcohol intake'? Yes, through lifestyle choices.
Can a person change their 'Age'? No.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Risk Factors for Hypertension (Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable)
Stem keywords: Modifiable, risk factors, Hypertension
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception, which is the non-modifiable risk factor.

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 97-99

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 42-44

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