Risk factors for developing coronary heart disease include?

NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a multifactorial condition, meaning it has multiple contributing causes.
Smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), and elevated serum cholesterol are all scientifically established as major, independent risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of CHD.
The presence of more than one risk factor significantly multiplies the overall risk of developing CHD, a concept known as a synergistic effect.
Since all the individual options listed are correct risk factors, the most comprehensive and accurate answer is 'All'.

Option A: While smoking is a major risk factor for CHD, it is not the only one listed. The question asks for risk factors in the plural, and the other options are also correct.
Option B: Hypertension is a critical risk factor, but it is not the only correct option provided. Choosing this option ignores the significant roles of smoking and high cholesterol.
Option C: High serum cholesterol is a cornerstone in the development of atherosclerosis, but it is not the sole risk factor among the choices. Both smoking and hypertension are also major contributors.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are at the forefront of patient education regarding CHD prevention. This involves assessing a patient's risk profile and providing tailored advice on lifestyle modifications.
Key nursing interventions include counseling for smoking cessation, teaching patients how to monitor their blood pressure, explaining dietary changes to lower cholesterol and salt intake, and encouraging regular physical activity.
Understanding the cumulative nature of risk factors is vital. A patient with hypertension, high cholesterol, and a smoking habit is at an exceptionally high risk, requiring aggressive management and follow-up.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. Here, the question asks to identify 'risk factors' (plural) for coronary heart disease.
Next, evaluate each option independently. Is smoking a risk factor for CHD? Yes. Is hypertension a risk factor? Yes. Is high serum cholesterol a risk factor? Yes.
Recognize that options A, B, and C are all individually correct.
When you encounter a question where multiple options are correct, look for a comprehensive option like 'All' or 'All of the above'.
Since options A, B, and C are all valid risk factors, the 'All' option is the most complete and therefore the best answer.
This strategy is common in multiple-choice questions testing knowledge of lists, causes, or contributing factors.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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