Which statement about stroke risk information is most accurate based on the health screening data?

• A. The client’s daily exercise improves risk
• B. The client’s blood pressure runs about 170/96
• C. The client’s cholesterol is normal
• D. The client’s family history is unknown

Answer: (B)

Elevated blood pressure is the most influential and immediate risk factor for stroke. The health screening data show a blood pressure of 170/96, which meets criteria for hypertension (systolic well above 140 and diastolic above 90). Hypertension damages blood vessels, accelerates atherosclerosis, and increases the likelihood of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. This finding directly reflects a high stroke risk in the client, making the statement about blood pressure the most accurate given the data. While regular exercise and cholesterol levels affect risk, they don’t reflect the strongest, data-confirmed risk here, and unknown family history doesn’t provide actionable information from the screening.