A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing data from a client's medical record. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Choice A Reason :

Increased peripheral circulation is incorrect. As people age, changes in the cardiovascular system can occur, but increased peripheral circulation isn't a common physiological change. In fact, aging might lead to reduced elasticity in blood vessels, potentially resulting in decreased circulation to some areas.

Choice B Reason:

Increased saliva production is incorrect: Saliva production doesn't usually increase with age. Instead, certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments might impact saliva production. Aging itself doesn't commonly cause an increase in saliva production; in fact, it can decrease due to changes in salivary glands.

Choice C Reason:

Increased constipation is correct. As individuals age, there can be changes in gastrointestinal motility and muscle tone, which can contribute to an increased likelihood of constipation.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased muscle mass is correct. Aging often leads to a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which can affect mobility and overall physical function.

Choice E Reason:

Decreased cough reflex is correct. With aging, the cough reflex might become less sensitive or effective, which can impact the ability to clear the airways efficiently.

Choice A Reason:

"I cannot confirm or deny that we have a client by that name." is correct. Respecting patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare. Revealing any information about a patient's condition without proper authorization or consent could breach confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. Therefore, providing minimal to no information over the phone to an unidentified caller is the appropriate approach to safeguard the patient's privacy.

Choice B Reason:

"I will tell him you called." Is incorrect. This response implies that the nurse will pass along the information or the fact that the employer called, potentially breaching the patient's confidentiality by confirming the client's presence in the hospital to an unauthorized person.

Choice C Reason:

"The client's condition is stable right now." Is incorrect. Revealing any information about the patient's condition to someone who hasn't been authorized to receive such information can breach patient confidentiality. Even stating that the condition is stable discloses some level of the patient's health status without proper consent.

Choice D Reason:

"He is here in the hospital, but I cannot tell you anything else." Is incorrect. While this response acknowledges the patient's presence in the hospital, it also hints that the nurse has information about the patient. It doesn't adhere to the standard of patient confidentiality, potentially breaching the patient's privacy.