Question

Mr. James is 62-year-old African-American male with a past medical history of gout, type II diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol. His father passed away at the age of 60 from a myocardial infarction; his mother is still alive and well. When he was 59, he underwent surgery for a left knee replacement. Since he turned 60, Mr. James has taken an active role in improving his health. He follows a low-fat diet, and enjoys a daily walk with his wife of 30 years. His average resting pulse rate is 70, and his blood pressure averages 140/90.

1. What non-modifiable risk factors does Mr. James have for developing stroke?

2. What modifiable risk factors does Mr. James have for developing stroke?

3. What patient teaching should the nurse provide that would help Mr. James decrease his risk for stroke?

Answer 1

Mr. James, who is a 62-year-old man, suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and has high cholesterol. He also has a past medical history of gout. Moreover, recently he has gone under the knee replacement surgery. But at his age, there are some non- modifiable risk factors of developing strokes.

1.Some of the non-modifiable risk factors of developing stroke for Mr. James is:

Age- According to research, 80% of them have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Gender- Compared to women, men have a higher tendency to acquire heart disease.

Family history- As already mentioned, Mr. James’s father had a past history of death due to myocardial infarction, so Mr. James has a greater risk of stroke.

Race- As Mr. James is an African-American, he has a great risk of developing heart disease.

2.Some of the modifiable risk factors of developing stroke for Mr.James are:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- Mr. James is a patient of Diabetes mellitus so he has a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure and cholesterol- People who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol have a great risk for stroke.

3.Some of the advice to Mr. James, that would decrease the risk of stroke:

-Though the blood pressure of Mr. James is towards normal, he should always maintain the range.

-If he smokes, then he needs to quit as soon as possible.

-As is a patient of type 2 diabetes mellitus, he needs to maintain control of it by taking proper medication s well as control in his diet.

-He has a past family history of his father’s dismissal through heart disease, so if he has a minute indication of any such health issue, he must contact the doctor and take health to advise.

-He should not let an increase in body weight as he is a patient of diabetes mellitus.

-He should be always active and include a routine of regular exercise.

-He should eat healthy and maintain a proper diet.