The nurse planning care for a client newly diagnosed with elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL initiates a dietary consult for which reason?

Question

1. This particular pattern of dyslipidemia is not amenable to pharmacological agents.
2. Nonpharmacologic approaches to dyslipidemia should be initiated before pharmacologic agents are prescribed.
3. These levels are sufficiently high that pharmacologic intervention alone is unlikely to be successful.
4. Dietary modifications can be useful for lipid disorders, but only as an adjunct intervention after pharmacologic therapy for clients has been initiated.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Several available agents are effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.
Rationale 2: The alterations in laboratory values for this client are in the range of slightly elevated, and pharmacologic agents for lipid disorders carry a risk of adverse effects and potential adverse drug interactions. Therefore, nonpharmacologic approaches should be used before initiating drug therapy.
Rationale 3: The alterations in laboratory values for this client represent slight rather than extreme elevations.
Rationale 4: For many clients, dietary modifications might be effective in reducing lipid levels to normal.
Global Rationale: The alterations in laboratory values for this client are in the range of slightly elevated, and pharmacologic agents for lipid disorders carry a risk of adverse effects and potential adverse drug interactions. Therefore, nonpharmacologic approaches should be used before initiating drug therapy. Several available agents are effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. The alterations in laboratory values for this client represent slight rather than extreme elevations. For many clients, dietary modifications might be effective in reducing lipid levels to normal.