Question

A 50-year-old woman weighs 95 kg and has a history of tobacco use, high blood pressure, high sodium intake, and sedentary lifestyle. When developing an individualized care plan for her, the nurse determines that the most important risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) that need to be modified are:

a. Balanced diet.
b.activity level and diet.
c.tobacco use and high blood pressure.
d.sedentary lifestyle and high blood pressure.

Answer 1

The most important risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a 50-year-old woman that need modification are tobacco use and high blood pressure, both of which are strongly associated with the development and progression of PAD due to atherosclerosis (option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing an individualized care plan for a 50-year-old woman with a history of tobacco use, high blood pressure, high sodium intake, and a sedentary lifestyle, the most important risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) that need to be modified are tobacco use and high blood pressure. Smoking is the main risk factor for PAD due to its association with atherosclerosis which narrows the arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, contributes significantly to the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby elevating the risk of developing PAD as well. In this context, ceasing tobacco use and managing high blood pressure are crucial to minimize the risk of PAD.

Hence, the answer is option c.