A nurse is assessing a child for risk of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Which of the following is a factor the nurse should recognize as being a risk factor for AVM?

A. The child has taken phenytoin medication for seizures: Phenytoin use is not associated with the development of arteriovenous malformations. Anticonvulsants do not increase AVM risk; they are prescribed to manage seizure activity, which may occur if an AVM is already present. B. The child is a 6-year-old female: Age and sex alone are not considered risk factors for AVMs. While AVMs can present in childhood, there is no significant predilection based solely on being female or the child’s age. C. The child has a genetic history of Hippel-Lindau disease: Genetic disorders such as Hippel-Lindau disease are associated with increased risk of vascular malformations, including AVMs. Recognizing a family or personal history of these conditions is essential in assessing risk. D. The client smoked while they were pregnant with the child: Maternal smoking is linked to low birth weight and certain congenital defects, but it is not a known risk factor for the development of arteriovenous malformations.