Which of the following is one of the four leading causes of death in the US?

Prepare for the ANCC Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Heart disease is indeed one of the four leading causes of death in the United States. It has consistently ranked at the top, attributed to a variety of risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle choices like smoking and lack of physical activity. Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and congestive heart failure, making it a significant public health concern that affects millions of people.

In contrast, while other options like kidney disease, suicide, and liver disease are impactful health issues, they do not rank among the top four leading causes of death when considering national statistics. Kidney disease has its own serious implications and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with comorbid conditions, but its prevalence in mortality statistics does not match that of heart disease. Similarly, while suicide has garnered attention as a critical public health issue and has increased in incidence, it historically has ranked lower in overall mortality causes compared to heart disease. Liver disease also poses health risks and could be deadly, particularly in populations with high rates of alcohol use or hepatitis infections, but it does not hold a spot among the top four causes of death.

Thus, heart disease remains the most prevalent cause of mortality,

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy