A nurse is preparing a community health program for adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Which of the following should the nurse include as a modifiable risk factor?

Choice A reason:

Reduced chest width: Aging does not typically result in a reduced chest width. Instead, changes in posture and the curvature of the spine can make the chest appear less prominent. The primary musculoskeletal changes with aging involve bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility

Choice B reason:

Increased force of isometric contraction: This is incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in muscle strength and mass, not an increase. The force of muscle contractions generally diminishes with age due to the loss of muscle fibers and changes in muscle composition.

Choice C reason:

Decreased muscle mass: This is correct. One of the most significant age-related musculoskeletal changes is sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength. This process begins around the age of 30 and accelerates with age, leading to decreased physical strength and increased risk of falls and fractures.

Choice D reason:

Thickened vertebral discs: Aging typically leads to the thinning and dehydration of intervertebral discs, not thickening. This can result in a reduction in height and increased susceptibility to spinal issues such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

Choice A reason:

The ethics committee does not typically handle requests for access to medical records. Their role is more focused on addressing ethical dilemmas and conflicts in patient care, rather than routine administrative tasks like granting access to medical records.

Choice B reason:

Asking the nursing supervisor to obtain the medical records for a family member is not appropriate without the client’s consent. Medical records are confidential and protected under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which require patient authorization for disclosure.

Choice C reason:

The healthcare provider cannot share medical information with a family member without the client’s explicit permission. This is to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the client’s health information.

Choice D reason:

The correct procedure is for the client to provide permission to share their medical records. Under HIPAA, a healthcare provider can only share a patient’s medical information with family members if the patient has given explicit consent. This ensures that the patient’s privacy rights are respected and that their health information is protected.