Chapter 22

The nurse is teaching a patient regarding therapeutic lifestyle changes that can be implemented to control cholesterol levels in the blood. The nurse knows the patient has understood the teaching when the patient states, Select all that apply. 1. "I will maintain an optimal weight." 2. "I will implement a medically supervised exercise plan." 3. "I will increase saturated fat in my diet." 4. "I will increase insoluble fiber in my diet." 5. "I will eliminate tobacco use."

1. "I will maintain an optimal weight." 2. "I will implement a medically supervised exercise plan." 5. "I will eliminate tobacco use."

The patient is taking a statin drug. Which assessment data would be a priority for the nurse to report immediately to the physician? 1. "My calves hurt, and I had a hard time walking to the bathroom." 2. "I know I just started this medicine yesterday, but my stomach really is upset." 3. "Will you call my doctor? I have a really bad headache." 4. "My heart rate really went up this morning."

1. "My calves hurt, and I had a hard time walking to the bathroom."

The patient says to the nurse, "My doctor says I have heart disease and I need to decrease cholesterol in my diet. How did this happen?" What is the best response by the nurse? 1. "The arteries around your heart are narrowed by low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol buildup in them." 2. "Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is converted to saturated fat, which is stored in your coronary arteries." 3. "It is a good idea to decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your diet, although current research has not proven a correlation yet." 4. "Too much low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol narrows all the arteries in your body so your heart does not receive enough blood to be healthy."

1. "The arteries around your heart are narrowed by low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol buildup in them."

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? Select all that apply. 1. A-I 2. A-II 3. A-III 4. A-IV 5. B-100

1. A-I 2. A-II 4. A-IV 5. B-100

A seasoned nurse is reviewing the different classifications of medications that are used to decrease blood cholesterol levels with a new nurse on a medical-surgical unit. The seasoned nurse knows the new nurse has comprehended the information when she cites these medications as fibric acid agents. Select all that apply. 1. Atromid-S 2. Zetia 3. Lopid 4. Colestid 5. Zocor

1. Atromid-S 3. Lopid

The nurse is providing group education about lipids to patients who have been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. What does the best instruction include? 1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the body and gets rid of it in the liver. 2. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it increases the oxygen content in the arteries and reduces the amount of plaque build-up. 3. High density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases the bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein [LDL]), and promotes excretion of it through the kidneys. 4. High density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases low density lipoprotein (LDL) and prevents it from converting to very low density lipoprotein (VDRL), which is the worst kind of cholesterol in the body

1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the body and gets rid of it in the liver.

The patient has serum cholesterol levels of the following: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) = 105mg/dl High density lipoprotein (HDL) = 37mg/dl Low density lipoprotein (LDL)/high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio = 4.1 In planning care with this patient, what is the best outcome? 1. The patient will maintain normal lipid levels without the use of medications. 2. The nurse will educate the patient about diet and exercise. 3. The nurse will validate that the patient understands the importance of lifestyle changes. 4. The patient will achieve normal lipid levels through compliance with medications.

1. The patient will maintain normal lipid levels without the use of medications.

A nursing student is preparing a presentation on the different types of lipids. The student will include which classification of lipids in the presentation? Select all that apply. 1. Triglycerides 2. Phospholipids 3. Steroids 4. Lecithins 5. Bile acids

1. Triglycerides 2. Phospholipids 3. Steroids

The patient is receiving gemfibrozil (Lopid). The nurse has completed discharge instructions about this medication. The nurse recognizes that teaching has been effective when the patient makes which statement? 1. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach to help it absorb better." 2. "I must take this medication with food or I can have heartburn." 3. "My doctor said it really doesn't matter how I take this medication." 4. "Taking this medication with yogurt will help it to absorb better."

2. "I must take this medication with food or I can have heartburn."

The patient tells the nurse, "My doctor says I have high levels of fat in my blood. Is that like big pieces of fat floating around?" What is the best response by the nurse? 1. "No, fats in your blood are carried inside small molecules called phospholipids." 2. "No, actually fats travel in the blood on little proteins called lipoproteins." 3. "No, that is not a good description of fat transport; ask your doctor again." 4. "No, the fats are encapsulated inside little bags known as lecithins."

2. "No, actually fats travel in the blood on little proteins called lipoproteins."

The patient tells the nurse she is confused about what she has been reading about lipids. What is (are) the best response(s) by the nurse? Select all that apply. 1. "Phospholipids will help prevent Alzheimer's disease." 2. "Phospholipids are essential to building plasma membranes." 3. "Cholesterol is a building block for estrogen and testosterone." 4. "Triglycerides are the major form of fat in the body." 5. "Cholesterol in the diet is unnecessary as the liver synthesizes it."

2. "Phospholipids are essential to building plasma membranes." 3. "Cholesterol is a building block for estrogen and testosterone." 4. "Triglycerides are the major form of fat in the body." 5. "Cholesterol in the diet is unnecessary as the liver synthesizes it."

The patient is receiving niacin. Although this drug is effective in lowering lipid levels, the patient complains of uncomfortable flushing. What is the best education by the nurse? 1. "Be sure to take your niacin on an empty stomach as soon as you arise." 2. "Take one aspirin 30 minutes before you take your niacin." 3. "Take your niacin tablet with food and at least one full glass of water." 4. "It may be time to ask your doctor about switching to another drug."

2. "Take one aspirin 30 minutes before you take your niacin."

The patient is receiving cholestryamine (Questran). When assessing for side effects, what will be the primary focus of the nurse? 1. Auscultation of heart sounds 2. Auscultation of bowel sounds in all four abdominal quadrants 3. Assessment of 24-hour urine output 4. Palpation for peripheral edema in the lower extremities

2. Auscultation of bowel sounds in all four abdominal quadrants

The patient is receiving cholestryamine (Questran), and complains of constipation. The physician orders bisacodyl (Ducolax) tablets. When is the best time for the nurse to administer the bisacodyl (Ducolax) tablets? 1. The drugs can be administered together. 2. Four hours after administration of cholestryamine (Questran) 3. Bisacodyl (Ducolax) can be given any time, but must be taken with food. 4. One hour after administration of cholestryamine (Questran)

2. Four hours after administration of cholestryamine (Questran)

Which type of lipoprotein is often referred to as "the good type," and why? 1. Triglycerides are good because they are used for energy. 2. HDL is good, because it carries cholesterol away from tissues and to the liver for metabolism and excretion. 3. LDL is good because it contains the most cholesterol that will be excreted in the feces. 4. VLDL is good because it contains the lowest amount of cholesterol.

2. HDL is good, because it carries cholesterol away from tissues and to the liver for metabolism and excretion

Which statement provides the best rationale for monitoring HDL and LDL as opposed to total cholesterol? 1. HDL and LDL monitoring is much cheaper than measuring total cholesterol. 2. Total cholesterol measurements include cholesterol that will be destroyed as well as transported to tissues and stored. 3. HDL and LDL measurements are more general, and frequently are used in patients not at risk for heart disease. 4. Total cholesterol measurements are often inaccurate and not as reliable as HDL and LDL

2. Total cholesterol measurements include cholesterol that will be destroyed as well as transported to tissues and stored.

Which type of lipid serves as fuel for the body when energy is needed? 1. Phospholipids 2. Triglycerides 3. Steroids 4. Lecithins

2. Triglycerides

The patient tells the nurse that his doctor wants him to take a medication for his high cholesterol, but he doesn't know which one would be best. What is (are) the best response(s) by the nurse? Select all that apply. 1. "The best drugs to raise your high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are the fibric acid drugs." 2. "The statin drugs are good, but will cause a lot of flushing if you swallow them with warm fluids." 3. "The bile resins keep cholesterol from being absorbed, but have some side effects." 4. "The statin drugs inhibit the making of cholesterol and are considered the best choice." 5. "Fibric acid drugs will decrease triglycerides, but your low density lipoprotein (LDL) will still be high."

3. "The bile resins keep cholesterol from being absorbed, but have some side effects." 4. "The statin drugs inhibit the making of cholesterol and are considered the best choice." 5. "Fibric acid drugs will decrease triglycerides, but your low density lipoprotein (LDL) will still be high."

The nurse has completed nutritional teaching with the patient who has a high low density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The nurse recognizes that teaching has been effective when the patient makes which menu choice? 1. Beef tenderloin with gravy and noodles, fruit salad with apples and grapefruit, slice of rye bread, and apple pie 2. Grilled chicken salad with strawberries and pecans, baked macaroni and cheese, and low-fat brownie 3. Grilled chicken with rice and broccoli, tossed salad with walnuts and sliced apples, slice of whole-wheat bread, and low-fat chocolate pudding 4. Low-fat hamburger with whole-wheat bun, tossed salad with walnuts and olive oil, and raisin-oatmeal cookie

3. Grilled chicken with rice and broccoli, tossed salad with walnuts and sliced apples, slice of whole-wheat bread, and low-fat chocolate pudding

Which statement is accurate regarding the use of nicotinic acid (Niacin) for lowering blood cholesterol levels? 1. It works primarily by lowering LDL and HDL levels. 2. Due to adverse effects, niacin should not be used with statins. 3. Hot flashes are a common side effect when niacin is used in high doses. 4. High doses of 25-30 mg per day are often necessary.

3. Hot flashes are a common side effect when niacin is used in high doses.

Which lipid type is associated with the highest risk of atherosclerosis development? 1. Phospholipids 2. Lecithins 3. Steroids 4. Triglycerides

3. Steroids

Which of the following patients would be at the greatest risk of developing heart disease? 1. Total 200, LDL 140, HDL 30 2. Total 220, LDL 135, HDL 68 3. Total 198, LDL 162, HDL 20 4. Total 186, LDL 125, HDL 54

3. Total 198, LDL 162, HDL 20

The patient is receiving a statin drug. Which assessment data would be a priority for the nurse to report to the physician? 1. Bowel sounds markedly increased in all four quadrants of the abdomen 2. Urine output of 200 mL/hour 3. Urine output of 20 mL/hour 4. Moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs)

3. Urine output of 20 mL/hour

The nurse is reviewing the adverse effects associated with statins with a patient who has recently been started on this classification of medication to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The nurse knows the patient has understood the teaching when the patient states that serious adverse effects associated with statins include Select all that apply. 1. headache. 2. abdominal pain. 3. myopathy. 4. muscle or joint pain. 5. rhabdomyolysis.

3. myopathy 5. rhabdomyolysis

The patient is receiving a statin drug. The nurse notes an increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. What is the nurse's priority action? 1. Hold the drug and obtain another creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in 6 hours. 2. Administer the drug and continue to assess for muscle pain. 3. Administer the drug and obtain another creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in 6 hours. 4. Hold the drug and notify the physician.

4. Hold the drug and notify the physician.

Which statement correctly identifies why simply restricting dietary intake of cholesterol generally will not result in a significant reduction of blood cholesterol? 1. Most people are not compliant with the dietary restriction. 2. Cholesterol is found in nearly all foods, and it is not possible to eliminate it from the diet. 3. Cholesterol is made within the body, and cannot be absorbed via external sources. 4. The liver reacts to a low-cholesterol diet by making more cholesterol

4. The liver reacts to a low-cholesterol diet by making more cholesterol

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that can be used to lower blood cholesterol levels by 1. binding exogenous cholesterol and excreting it in the feces. 2. increasing excretion by activating enzymes within the hepatic system. 3. preventing dietary absorption within the GI tract. 4. inhibiting an enzyme that is essential for cholesterol synthesis

4. inhibiting an enzyme that is essential for cholesterol synthesis