Question

While performing blood pressure screening at a health fair, the nurse counsels which of the following visitors as having the greatest risk for developing hypertension?

1) A 56-year-old man whose father died at age 62 from a stroke
2) A 30-year-old female advertising agent who is unmarried and lives alone
3) A 68-year-old man who uses herbal remedies to treat his enlarged prostate gland
4) A 43-year-old man who travels extensively with his job and exercises only on weekends

Answer 1

The 56-year-old man with a family history of stroke has the greatest risk for developing hypertension among the individuals described due to his genetic predisposition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the individuals described, the 56-year-old man with a family history of stroke due to his father's early death at age 62 has the greatest risk for developing hypertension. Genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor that cannot be altered.

Although lifestyle factors are also important in the development of high blood pressure, such as physical activity in the 43-year-old man who exercises only on weekends and potentially stressful occupational conditions in the 30-year-old female advertising agent, the immediate familial history of hypertension-related cardiovascular events places the older man at the highest risk.