Question

A nurse is providing information about cardiovascular risk to a client who has received a lipid panel report. the nurse should include that which of the following findings is within an expected reference range?

a) HDL cholesterol of 90 mg/dL
b) LDL cholesterol of 160 mg/dL
c) Triglycerides of 200 mg/dL
d) Total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL

Answer 1

An HDL cholesterol level of 90 mg/dL is within the expected reference range for a lipid panel report, indicating a lower cardiovascular risk compared to the elevated levels seen in other options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

When explaining cardiovascular risk factors to a client based on their lipid panel report, the nurse should indicate that HDL cholesterol of 90 mg/dL is within the expected reference range. Healthy total blood cholesterol levels should be under 200 mg/dL.

A high amount of HDL, known as "good cholesterol transporter", indicates a reduced risk of cholesterol buildup in arteries, whereas a high amount of LDL, the "bad cholesterol transporter", suggests increased risk. A lipid panel indicates cardiovascular health by measuring total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels. The other options listed, such as LDL cholesterol of 160 mg/dL, triglycerides of 200 mg/dL, and total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL, are considered as exceeding the recommended levels for cardiovascular health and pose higher risks.