A client wants to know the difference between good and bad cholesterol. What should the nurse respond to this client?

Question

a. Good cholesterol builds fat stores that can be used for energy if needed by the body, whereas bad cholesterol has no real purpose
b. Bad cholesterol causes a buildup of adipose tissue in the abdomen and can lead to heart attacks but good cholesterol is used by the body to produce energy
c. Good cholesterol is needed by the body to build cell walls and other functions, whereas bad cholesterol builds up in blood vessels and causes cardiovascular disease
d. Bad cholesterol is difficult to absorb in the intestines and ends up being eliminated in the stool with little nutritional value but good cholesterol is used to build cell walls
Answer: 3

Answer 1

c. Good cholesterol is needed by the body to build cell walls and other functions, whereas bad cholesterol builds up in blood vessels and causes cardiovascular disease

Cholesterol is used by the body to synthesize steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids as well as building cell walls. In moderation all cholesterol is considered "good" because it helps the body function properly. Cholesterol is considered to be "bad" when there is an overabundance that builds up in blood vessels and causes them to narrow. LDL is most often referred to as "bad cholesterol" by consumers because it has been linked with CVD. Fat stores are used for energy in the absence of sufficient glucose to supply the body's energy needs. Cholesterol is readily absorbed by the intestines.