A client's total cholesterol level is 344 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is 164 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is 30 mg/dL

Question

Based on analysis of the data, how should the nurse direct client teaching? 1. The client should maintain the current dietary regimen but increase activity levels.
2. Results are inconclusive unless the triglyceride level is also screened, so teaching is not indicated at this time.
3. The client is at high risk for cardiovascular disease, and measures to modify all identified risk factors should be taught.
4. The client is at low risk for cardiovascular disease, so the client should be encouraged to continue to follow the current regimen.

Answer 1

3

Rationale: In the absence of documented cardiovascular disease, the desired goal is to have the total cholesterol level lower than 200 mg/dL. A desired LDL-C level for all individuals is lower than 100 mg/dL, and a desirable HDL-C level is higher than 40 mg/dL. Because the client's levels are outside the range for all three values to a significant degree, the client is at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease and requires teaching on risk factor reduction.