Which one of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis?

BHU NO - 2015

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

A history of a Cerebro-vascular Accident (CVA), or stroke, is a non-modifiable component of a patient's medical history. While the underlying disease process can be managed, the past event itself cannot be changed.
A CVA is a major clinical event often caused by advanced atherosclerosis, and its occurrence signifies a very high risk for future cardiovascular events.
Unlike lifestyle choices (smoking, diet) or manageable conditions (hyperlipidemia), a past CVA is a fixed historical marker of disease, making it 'non-modifiable' in this context.

Option A: Cigarette smoking is a classic and significant modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. It can be changed through cessation.
Option B: Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is a primary modifiable risk factor. It is manageable through lifestyle changes and medications like statins.
Option D: A sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity) is a well-established modifiable risk factor. Increasing physical activity is a key intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk factors for atherosclerosis (Modifiable vs. Non-modifiable) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education, focusing on managing modifiable risk factors to prevent primary or secondary cardiovascular events.
Assessment of a patient's history, including past events like a CVA, is critical for accurate risk stratification and determining the intensity of risk reduction therapies.
What if? If the question asked for the MOST significant modifiable risk factor, the answer could be debated between hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking, as both are major contributors to atherosclerotic plaque development.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the key terms in the question: 'non-modifiable risk factor' means a factor that cannot be changed, and 'atherosclerosis' is the hardening of arteries.
Analyze each option to determine if it is changeable by behavior or treatment.
Cigarette smoking is a behavior that can be stopped, so it is modifiable.
Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition that can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication, so it is modifiable.
A sedentary lifestyle is a pattern of behavior that can be changed by increasing physical activity, so it is modifiable.
A cerebro-vascular accident is a historical event in a patient's medical record. The fact that it occurred cannot be changed, making it a non-modifiable factor in this context.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Risk factors for atherosclerosis (Modifiable vs. Non-modifiable)
Stem keywords: atherosclerosis, non-modifiable risk factor
Lead-in keywords: Which one

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