Question

The nurse is performing stroke risk screenings at a hospital open house. The nurse has identified four patients who might be at risk for a stroke. Which patient is likely at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke?

A) White female, age 60, with history of excessive alcohol intake
B) White male, age 60, with history of uncontrolled hypertension
C) Black male, age 60, with history of diabetes
D) Black male, age 50, with history of smoking

Answer 1

The white male, age 60, with a history of uncontrolled hypertension is at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke due to the significant impact of high blood pressure on the potential for an artery to rupture in the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient likely at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke is the white male, age 60, with a history of uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the main risk factor for stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke, which involves the rupture of an artery in the brain leading to bleeding and potentially fatal outcomes. Although factors such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, diabetes, and being a male can also increase stroke risk, uncontrolled hypertension poses the greatest risk because it exerts extra pressure on blood vessel walls, potentially leading to their rupture.

Therefore, the patient who is likely at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke is the white male, age 60, with a history of uncontrolled hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension puts strain on the blood vessels, increasing the risk of rupture and bleeding.