A nurse is teaching a client who reports taking ginkgo biloba to improve his memory and peripheral arterial disease from atherosclerosis. The nurse should include which of the following potential side effects?

Choice A reason: Increasing age is a non-modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As people age, their risk of developing cardiovascular conditions naturally increases due to changes in the heart and blood vessels. However, age cannot be altered or controlled, making it a non-modifiable factor.

Choice B reason: Cigarette smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries), which can result in heart attacks and strokes. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, making it a key focus in prevention programs.

Choice C reason: Family history of cardiac disease is another non-modifiable risk factor. Genetics play a crucial role in the predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. If a close family member has had heart disease, the risk is higher. While this factor cannot be changed, awareness can lead to more proactive management of other modifiable risks.

Choice D reason: Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is a complex risk factor. While having diabetes itself is not modifiable, the management of diabetes through lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Proper control of blood glucose levels, diet, and exercise are crucial in mitigating this risk.

Choice A reason:

Performing a rapid head-to-toe assessment is an essential step in triage, especially in a mass casualty incident like a tornado. However, this action alone does not prioritize the client for immediate treatment. The purpose of triage is to quickly categorize patients based on the severity of their injuries to ensure that those who need urgent care receive it first. While a rapid assessment is necessary, it is not the final step in the triage process.

Choice B reason:

Placing a red tag on the client’s upper body is the correct action. In the triage system, a red tag indicates that the patient has life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. An open fracture, especially in a disaster scenario, poses a high risk of infection and significant blood loss, necessitating urgent care. The red tag helps first responders and medical personnel quickly identify and prioritize this patient for immediate treatment and transport.

Choice C reason:

Having the client’s wife drive him to the hospital is not advisable in a mass casualty situation. This action could delay the client’s access to necessary medical care and potentially worsen his condition. In disaster scenarios, it is crucial to use organized medical transport to ensure that patients receive appropriate care en route to the hospital. Additionally, the client with an open fracture needs stabilization and possibly immediate interventions that cannot be provided in a private vehicle.

Choice D reason:

Placing a yellow tag on the client’s upper body is incorrect. A yellow tag is used for patients who have serious but not immediately life-threatening injuries. These patients require medical attention but can wait a short time for treatment. An open fracture, due to the risk of severe complications, should be prioritized with a red tag. The yellow tag would not appropriately reflect the urgency of the client’s condition.