A nurse knows that which of these patients are at greatest risk for a stroke?

A nurse knows that which of these patients are at greatest risk for a stroke?

1. A 60-year old male who weighs 270 pounds, has atrial fibrillation, and has had a TIA in the past.

2. A 75-year old male who has frequent migraines, drinks a glass of wine every day, and is Hispanic.

3. A 40-year old female who has high cholesterol and uses oral contraceptives

4. A 65-year old female who is African American, has sickle cell disease and smokes cigarettes.

Correct Answer: 1. A 60-year old male who weighs 270 pounds, has atrial fibrillation, and has had a TIA in the past.
Correct – Common risk factors for developing stroke include: Atrial fibrillation, arteriosclerosis, previous stroke or ischemic attack, heart surgery, valvular heart disease, diabetes, smoking, substance abuse,obesity, sedentary lifestyle, oral contraceptive use, genetic tendency, migraines, older age, male, African American/Hispanic/American Indian, Sickle Cell Anemia, and brain trauma. This man has the greatest risk based on these risk factors.

2. A 75-year old male who has frequent migraines, drinks a glass of wine every day, and is Hispanic.
Incorrect – See Common Risk Factors for Developing a Stroke.

3. A 40-year old female who has high cholesterol and uses oral contraceptives
Incorrect – See Common Risk Factors for Developing a Stroke.

4. A 65-year old female who is African American, has sickle cell disease and smokes cigarettes.
Incorrect – See Common Risk Factors for Developing a Stroke.