Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

Which action can help reduce a female patient's risk of developing coronary heart disease?

1. Avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy

2. Enrolling in cardiac rehabilitation

3. Taking 81mg of aspirin daily

4. Using nitroglycerin during chest pain

The correct answer is: Avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy

Avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy can significantly reduce a female patient's risk of developing coronary heart disease. Weight gain during pregnancy can contribute to obesity, a well-established risk factor for coronary heart disease. Obesity can lead to various conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy, women can lower their chances of developing these risk factors both during and after their pregnancy, ultimately benefiting their long-term cardiovascular health. The other options, while related to cardiovascular health, do not directly address the prevention of coronary heart disease as effectively in the context of a female patient. Cardiac rehabilitation, for instance, is crucial for patients with existing cardiac issues but does not prevent the initial development of coronary heart disease. Taking aspirin can be beneficial for those at high risk or with existing coronary artery disease but is not a primary preventive measure in a healthy individual. Lastly, nitroglycerin is used for managing acute chest pain and does not play a role in prevention. Hence, the focus on maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy stands out as a proactive measure to reduce future cardiovascular risk.