A middle-aged patient with a positive family history of heart disease has a total cholesterol level of 203 mg/dL with an HDL of 45 mg/dL and identified as having a Framingham 10-Year Risk of 5%.Which additional laboratory test results should a nurse identify as a marker of increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker and has been found to be associated with an increased risk for CAD. Elevated levels of CRP may indicate underlying inflammation in the blood vessels and an increased risk for plaque build-up. Apolipoprotein A and B levels and triglyceride levels may also be useful in assessing CAD risk, but in this case, CRP is the best choice because it is specifically associated with inflammation and CAD risk.

A Middle-Aged Patient with a Positive Family History of Heart