Which factor is a modifiable risk factor for stroke that nurses should educate patients about controlling?

• A. Age
• B. Hypertension management
• C. Family history
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

Managing blood pressure effectively is a key modifiable risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure strains and damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Because it can be altered with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring, controlling hypertension has a strong impact on reducing stroke risk. Nurses educate patients on how to measure blood pressure correctly, adhere to antihypertensive medications, and adopt lifestyle steps such as the DASH diet, reducing sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol. By doing so, patients lower their blood pressure and the associated stroke risk. Other factors like age, family history, and gender are not modifiable, though they influence overall risk and are important to consider in assessment and counseling.