A 69-year old patient is admitted to the hospital for elective repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The history includes hypertension for 25 years, hyperlipidemia for 15 years, and smoking for 50 years. The patient asks the nurse what caused the aneurysm. The nurse's best response includes the information that

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The patient's gender, age, and risk factor history indicate that the aneurysm was likely caused by atherosclerosis rather than a congenital weakness or chronic infection. Although the patient's BP, elevated lipids, and smoking undoubtedly have contributed to the atherosclerotic process, it is not appropriate for the nurse to imply that the patient is to blame.

A 69-Year Old Patient Is Admitted to the Hospital for Elective