Which of the following is considered to be the greatest single modifiable risk factor for cardiac disease?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Smoking. Smoking is considered the greatest single modifiable risk factor for cardiac disease due to its direct negative impact on cardiovascular health. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by damaging blood vessels, raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and promoting the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Quitting smoking has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. A: Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but smoking has a greater impact on cardiovascular health. B: Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, but smoking has a more significant impact on cardiovascular health. C: Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but smoking is considered the greatest single modifiable risk factor for cardiac disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Osteopenia. Osteopenia is a contraindication for spinal traction due to decreased bone density, which increases the risk of fractures during traction. Bursitis (A) is not a contraindication, as it affects the soft tissues around the joints. Cervical radiculopathy (B) can benefit from spinal traction to relieve nerve compression. Muscle spasm (D) is not a contraindication but can actually be a reason for using traction to alleviate muscle tension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspection. Inspection is the first technique used in a physical assessment as it involves observing the patient's overall appearance, skin color, posture, and any obvious abnormalities. This step provides valuable initial information before moving on to other techniques. Palpation, percussion, and auscultation are typically used after inspection to gather more detailed data. Palpation involves touching and feeling for abnormalities, percussion involves tapping to assess underlying structures, and auscultation involves listening to internal sounds. These techniques are important in a comprehensive assessment, but inspection is the initial step to guide the assessment process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lymph node. A lymph node is typically mobile in both up-and-down and side-to-side directions due to its structure and function in the body's immune system. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and help fight infections. The mobility is important for their role in filtering and monitoring the lymphatic system. Choice A (Cancer) is less likely as cancerous masses are typically fixed and do not move easily. Choice C (Deep scar) is unlikely as scars are not typically mobile masses. Choice D (Muscle) is also unlikely as muscles are not typically felt as mobile masses in the context described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Coronary artery disease. Peripheral vascular disease shares similar risk factors with coronary artery disease, such as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major contributing factor to both conditions, leading to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels. This increases the risk of reduced blood flow to various organs and tissues, causing symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. The other choices, A: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, C: Migraine headaches, and D: Osteoarthritis, do not have direct associations with peripheral vascular disease or share common risk factors with it. For example, GERD is related to the gastrointestinal system, migraines are neurological, and osteoarthritis affects the joints, making them unrelated to the pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease.