Question

The nurse is providing group education about lipids to patients who have been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. What does the best instruction include?

1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the body and gets rid of it in the liver.
2. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it increases the oxygen content in the arteries and reduces the amount of plaque build-up.
3. High density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases the bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein [LDL]), and promotes excretion of it through the kidneys.
4. High density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases low density lipoprotein (LDL) and prevents it from converting to very low density lipoprotein (VDRL), which is the worst kind of cholesterol in the body

Answer 1

The best instruction for educating hyperlipidemia patients on HDL includes explaining that HDL is referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it helps to transport excess cholesterol to the liver for removal, thereby reducing the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding HDL and LDL in Hyperlipidemia Education

When educating patients with hyperlipidemia, it's important to clarify the roles and functions of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). First and foremost, HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' because it plays a key role in removing cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for excretion or reprocessing. This helps to reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. On the other hand, LDL, commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol', carries cholesterol from the liver to other tissues, where excessive LDL levels can lead to the formation of plaque. This, in turn, can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The most accurate instruction for patients would highlight that HDL is considered 'good' because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body, particularly by transporting it to the liver. It does not increase oxygen content in the arteries nor does it directly excrete cholesterol through the kidneys or prevent LDL from converting to other lipoprotein forms. Therefore, the best instruction to provide to patients would be:

1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is called good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the body and gets rid of it in the liver.

Patients should also be encouraged to maintain healthful lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet low in saturated fats and regular physical activity to improve their cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.