A 50yearold male presents to the community clinic He has jus

A 50-year-old male presents to the community clinic. He has just relocated to the area and has no primary provider. He is a long distance truck driver and requires a physical examination to maintain his continued employment.

Physical examination demonstrates a BMI of 33, blood pressure of 180/90 mm Hg, diminished femoral pulses and bilateral varicose veins with 1+ pitting edema in both ankles. He has a 30 year history of smoking two packs of cigarettes per day.

Initial Discussion Post:

Identify the risk factors for cardiovascular problems that should be modified for this patient.

Using evidence based research, determine which risk factor the RN will address first.

Describe how the RN will implement a patient centered plan to address the priority risk factor for this patient.

Solution

Body mass index (BMI) provides an estimated value of require body weight for a particular height (weight-for-height). The BMI value of a “healthy weight for height” ranges in between 18.5 to 24.9. The BMI value of above 30 indicates obesity. This is also equal to, having more than 20% of the excess body weight than the required body weight.

The risk factors for cardiovascular problems in this male patient are,

The first risk factor o be addressed is high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction and heart attack.

To address the priority risk factor for this patient, the RN must suggest the patient to quit smoking and reduce body weight by adopting healthy diet plans with regular exercise.