Question

Which of the following laboratory results will cause the nurse to suspect that a patient is prone to the development of the fatty streak in atherosclerosis?

A. Low VLDL
B. High LDL
C. High HDL
D. Low LDL

Answer 1

High LDL in the laboratory results suggests a patient is prone to developing a fatty streak in atherosclerosis, as LDL contributes to plaque build-up in arteries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the laboratory results listed, the result that will cause the nurse to suspect that a patient is prone to the development of a fatty streak in atherosclerosis is High LDL. Since LDL is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol,' an elevated LDL level can lead to the deposit of cholesterol in the arteries, forming plaques. These plaques begin as fatty streaks and can potentially grow large enough to block arteries, leading to conditions such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. In contrast, High HDL is known as 'good cholesterol' because it helps to transport excess cholesterol back to the liver for processing, which reduces the risk of plaque formation and atherosclerosis.