A patient with a family history of early-onset coronary artery disease is tested for apolipoprotein A and B (apo A and apo B).The patient has concerns about the need for another blood test.Which is the best response by the nurse when the patient asks about the purpose of the apolipoprotein test?
A)"A high apolipoprotein level means that you are more likely to respond to diet changes and medications to control your cholesterol."
B)"As long as you do not have symptoms, this test is just a way to monitor your overall health, so you should not worry about it."
C)"Knowing your apolipoprotein helps your health-care provider better determine your risk for coronary artery disease when you have a high triglyceride level."
D)"This is just one more test that your health-care provider wants, so you should to do it since it should be important."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C) Knowing the levels of apolipoproteins, particularly apo A and apo B, can provide more specific information about an individual's risk for coronary artery disease, especially in the context of high triglyceride levels. This is because apo B is a component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and high levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Conversely, apo A is a component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol, and higher levels are generally associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. Therefore, the ratio of these apolipoproteins can give a more detailed risk assessment, particularly in patients with a family history of early-onset coronary artery disease and those with high triglyceride levels.

A Patient with a Family History of Early-Onset Coronary Artery