Question 1

The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed medication to manage HDL cholesterol.Which statement by the client indicates that the teaching has been understood?

Accepted Answer

Option C is the correct statement. Promoting an increase in HDL cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart attacks as HDL cholesterol is considered to be "good" cholesterol that helps to remove excess cholesterol from arteries. Treatment of HDL cholesterol will not affect LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels. Therefore, option A and B are both incorrect. Option D is also incorrect as decreasing HDL cholesterol levels will increase the risk of heart attacks.

Question 2

A client who takes avorstatin (Lipitor)daily has been prescribed erythromycin for sinusitis.To prevent consequences of an adverse effect of this combination of drugs,it is most important for the nurse to monitor this client for which clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Avorstatin (Lipitor) and erythromycin both can cause muscle pain and increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). The combination of these drugs can increase this risk further. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any new onset of muscle pain, weakness or tenderness, and inform the provider immediately if any such symptom occurs. Monitoring for lack of expected response to erythromycin is also important, but not as significant as monitoring for muscle pain in this case. Abdominal pain and cramping or bleeding from the oral cavity and bruising are not the expected adverse effects of this drug combination.

Question 3

A nursing student is preparing a presentation on the different types of lipids.The student will include which classification of lipids in the presentation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids are all commonly recognized classifications of lipids. Lecithins and bile acids can be considered subclasses of phospholipids and steroids, respectively, and may not be included in a general overview of lipid classifications. Therefore, selecting only A, B, and C will provide a comprehensive overview of the main types of lipids.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with coronary artery disease.When examining the results of laboratory tests,the nurse notes that which findings are consistent with this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease is characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which leads to a narrowing of the vessels and decreased blood flow to the heart. Elevated total serum cholesterol and LDL, along with decreased HDL, are consistent with this diagnosis as they indicate an increased risk for plaque formation and buildup in the arteries. Option A represents a healthier lipid profile with decreased total cholesterol and LDL as well as elevated HDL, which would be inconsistent with coronary artery disease. Option B represents elevated levels of all lipid parameters, which again would be inconsistent with coronary artery disease. Option D represents a very unusual lipid profile and would also be inconsistent with coronary artery disease.

Question 5

Cholesterol,triglycerides,and phospholipids travel between the liver and peripheral tissues through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids are transported in the blood between the liver and peripheral tissues bound to apoproteins, forming lipoprotein complexes such as LDL, HDL, and VLDL.

Question 6

The nurse is reviewing the adverse effects associated with statins with a client who is prescribed this classification of medication to reduce blood cholesterol levels.The nurse knows the client has understood the teaching when the client states which serious adverse effects associated with statins? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The serious adverse effects associated with statins include myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or wasting) and rhabdomyolysis (a rare but serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and can result in kidney damage/failure). Headache and abdominal pain are common side effects but not considered serious. Muscle or joint pain is a possible adverse effect, but it may not be serious and is not specific to statins.

Question 7

An elevation in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)most likely would be related to which comorbid condition?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for elevated LDL levels. High blood glucose levels in diabetics can cause damage to blood vessels, leading to increased LDL levels.

Question 8

The nurse is teaching a client with a lipid disorder about dietary modifications to manage the condition.Which statement by the client indicates an appropriate understanding of the rationale underlying a recommendation to increase the intake of plant sterols?

Accepted Answer

Plant sterols are found in high amounts in foods such as oats and other whole grains. Consuming these foods can help lower LDL cholesterol levels by blocking their absorption in the intestines. Therefore, choosing oatmeal or cold oat cereal for breakfast every morning is the most appropriate choice to increase plant sterol intake. Choices B and C may have other health benefits, but are not specifically high in plant sterols. Choice D is not appropriate as increasing plant sterol intake alone is unlikely to eliminate the need for cholesterol-lowering medication.

Question 9

The nurse planning care for a client newly diagnosed with elevated serum cholesterol,triglycerides,and LDL initiates a dietary consult for which reason?

Accepted Answer

Nonpharmacologic approaches, such as dietary modifications, should be initiated before pharmacologic agents are prescribed in individuals with dyslipidemia. Therefore, a dietary consult is essential for the nurse to plan appropriate interventions to decrease serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels.

Question 10

The nurse is teaching a client with elevated LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol about strategies to manage this disorder.The client asks the nurse why there is a difference in the direction of change in the goals for altering HDL versus LDL cholesterol.Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate response is to explain that increasing HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the body and decreasing LDL cholesterol reduces the amount of cholesterol that is carried to body tissue to be stored. This answer accurately reflects the goals for managing cholesterol and the reasons for the differences in the direction of change for HDL and LDL cholesterol.

Question 11

The nurse is providing teaching to a client who has been placed on oral cholestyramine for management of a lipid disorder.Which statement by this client indicates the need for further teaching about this drug?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is providing teaching to a...

Question 12

A student is discussing lipid transport through the blood with a nursing instructor.The student asks the educator which apoproteins are important to lipid transport.Which responses by the educator are appropriate? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A student is discussing lipid transport through...

Question 13

The nurse is teaching a client regarding therapeutic lifestyle changes that can be implemented to control cholesterol levels in the blood.Which statements made by the client indicate an appropriate understanding of the teaching session? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The client shows an appropriate understanding of therapeutic lifestyle changes by stating they will maintain an optimal weight, implement a medically supervised exercise plan, and eliminate tobacco use. Increasing intake of dietary saturated fats and cholesterol and decreasing soluble fiber in the diet are not appropriate changes to control cholesterol levels in the blood.

Question 14

Which statement indicates that a client understands teaching about avorstatin (Lipitor)?

Accepted Answer

Avorstatin (Lipitor) is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the fetus, so a client planning to become pregnant should stop taking the drug.

Question 15

Niacin and aspirin have been prescribed for a client diagnosed with hyperlipidemia.Which statement regarding why this drug combination is prescribed is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is often prescribed along with niacin to decrease the likelihood and severity of flushing, which is a common side effect of niacin therapy. Aspirin decreases the production of prostaglandins, which are thought to be responsible for flushing, allowing niacin to be more effective without causing discomfort. Joint pain (A) and severe headaches (D) are also known side effects of niacin therapy, but neither is directly related to the use of aspirin. While some studies suggest that taking aspirin with niacin may increase the effectiveness of niacin therapy (B), this is not the primary reason that the combination is used.

Question 16

Which goal is appropriate for a person attempting to control cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels?

Accepted Answer

Limiting cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg daily is appropriate for a person attempting to control cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. This is because dietary cholesterol has been shown to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in some people. However, it is important to note that dietary cholesterol has less of an impact on cholesterol levels than saturated and trans fats. It is still recommended to also limit saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total calories and increase consumption of unsaturated fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Question 17

The nurse is evaluating a client's response to teaching about managing dyslipidemia.Which statement by this client indicates that additional teaching is needed?

Accepted Answer

While soybeans do contain lecithin, they are not specifically recommended as a treatment for dyslipidemia. The other statements demonstrate appropriate understanding of managing dyslipidemia.

Question 18

The nurse is teaching a client about reducing the risk for coronary artery disease.An elevation in which laboratory value is most directly associated with atherosclerosis,leading to coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

LDL is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, is directly associated with high levels of LDL. This condition can lead to coronary artery disease, which can result in heart attack or stroke. Therefore, reducing LDL levels is an essential step in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.

Question 19

An adult client is 75 pounds over the ideal weight,eats a diet high in carbohydrates,and drinks 3-4 alcoholic beverages daily.Which pattern of dyslipidemia most likely fits all the findings and behaviors demonstrated by this client?

Accepted Answer

A diet high in carbohydrates and excess alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), as well as the development of glucose intolerance. This pattern fits with the dyslipidemia seen in Choice A. Elevated chylomicrons (Choice B) are usually the result of a genetic disorder or an issue in fat metabolism, rather than lifestyle factors. Choice C is an extreme version of dyslipidemia and would not be expected in this scenario. Choice D only accounts for the LDL and total cholesterol levels and does not address the other abnormalities seen in this client's behavior and findings.

Question 20

The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results.Which finding is of most concern?

Accepted Answer

Triglyceride levels of 349 mg/dL are considered very high and can increase the risk of heart disease, pancreatitis, and other health issues. High levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol are also a concern, but triglycerides are the most concerning in this scenario. HDL cholesterol levels of 62 mg/dL are considered normal or desirable.

Quiz 29: Pharmacotherapy of Hyperlipidemia