What are common risk factors for stroke that an ENP should assess?

The identification of risk factors for stroke is crucial for an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) as it helps in early recognition and management of potential stroke patients. Hypertension is one of the most significant and modifiable risk factors for stroke, significantly increasing the likelihood of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Diabetes also plays a critical role, as it can lead to vascular complications that predispose individuals to stroke. Atrial fibrillation is another significant risk factor, as it increases the chances of blood clots forming in the heart, which can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Smoking has long been established as a risk factor, contributing to the damage of blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health.

While options that include obesity, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity are relevant to overall cardiovascular health, they do not represent the immediate and potent risk factors for stroke that option B highlights. Sleep apnea and advanced age are also important but are less definitive as standalone risk factors when compared to the comprehensive combination of hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and smoking. Similarly, while family history can indicate a genetic predisposition to stroke, it is not actionable in the same way as modifying lifestyle factors associated with hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. The focus on a