Which is a non modifiable risk factor?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

A non-modifiable risk factor is a characteristic that cannot be changed, such as age, race, or genetics.
Gender is a biological determinant of health risk that is fixed at birth and cannot be altered to reduce disease susceptibility.
For example, certain conditions like breast cancer are far more common in females, while others like Duchenne muscular dystrophy primarily affect males.

Option B: Diet is a classic example of a modifiable risk factor, as individuals can change their eating habits to improve health outcomes.
Option C: Sleep patterns and hygiene can be altered through behavioral changes, making it a modifiable risk factor.
Option D: The level of physical activity is a lifestyle choice that can be increased or decreased, so it is a modifiable risk factor.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual chart separating common health risk factors into two columns: 'Modifiable (Can Change)' and 'Non-Modifiable (Cannot Change)'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use the understanding of risk factors to conduct health assessments and develop patient education plans. The focus is on managing modifiable risks to prevent disease.
What if? If a patient has a strong family history of heart disease (a non-modifiable risk), the nurse's priority is to aggressively educate and create a plan to control all modifiable risks like diet, exercise, and smoking.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question's core concept: 'non-modifiable risk factor'. This means a factor you cannot change.
Second, evaluate each option against this definition.
Can you change your diet? Yes. So, 'Diet' is modifiable.
Can you change your sleep habits? Yes. So, 'Sleep' is modifiable.
Can you change your exercise routine? Yes. So, 'Exercise' is modifiable.
Can you change your biological gender? No. So, 'Gender' is non-modifiable. This is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.