Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which five characteristics are often associated with the highest risk for gallstone disease?

1. Fat, fair, forty, female, and fertile

2. Fat, fast, female, fragile, and fifty

3. Fat, fair, forty, fit, and fertile

4. Fat, female, forty, functional, and free

The correct answer is: Fat, fair, forty, female, and fertile

The characteristics associated with the highest risk for gallstone disease are often summarized as "fat, fair, forty, female, and fertile." This phrase captures a common understanding of the demographic and physiological factors that increase the likelihood of developing gallstones. The term "fat" refers to obesity, which is a significant risk factor linked to increased cholesterol levels in the bile, leading to gallstone formation. "Fair" describes individuals with lighter skin tones, who statistically show a higher prevalence of gallbladder disease. "Forty" indicates that age is a considerable risk factor, as gallstone incidence increases with age—especially in those over 40. "Female" highlights the fact that women have a higher risk of gallstone disease due to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen, which affects cholesterol metabolism. Finally, "fertile" signifies that factors related to reproductive hormones and parity further contribute to the increased risk of gallstone development, especially during pregnancy. This combination effectively delineates the typical profile of individuals at higher risk for gallstone disease, providing clinicians and healthcare providers with essential information for identifying potential patients.