Question

A middle-aged adult with a family history of CAD has the following: total cholesterol 198 (11 mmol/L); LDL cholesterol 120 (6.7 mmol/L); HDL cholesterol 58 (3.2 mmol/L); triglycerides 148 (8.2 mmol/L); blood sugar 102 (5.7 mmol/L); and Creactive protein (CRP) 4.2. The health care provider prescribes a statin medication and aspirin. The client asks the nurse why these medications are needed. Which is the best response by the nurse?

A. "The labs indicate severe hyperlipidemia and the medications will lower your LDL, along with a low-fat diet."
B. "The triglycerides are elevated and will not return to normal without these medications."
C. "The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed."
D. "These medications will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes."

Answer 1

The best nurse response is 'The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed.' Statins and aspirin reduce inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular events.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse in this scenario would be "C. 'The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed.'" This is because C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body, and inflammation is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition associated with cardiovascular disease. Statins have anti-inflammatory properties and can lower CRP levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Additionally, statins help lower LDL cholesterol, known as "bad cholesterol," which can deposit in the walls of arteries leading to plaque formation and heart disease. While the individual's cholesterol levels are not in a severe hyperlipidemia range, the presence of a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), combined with an elevated CRP, warrants the use of statin therapy as a preventative measure.

Aspirin has been prescribed for its antithrombotic properties, which help prevent blood clots from forming and potentially inducing a heart attack or stroke. Overall, the prescribed medications work together to reduce the patient's risk of cardiovascular events, which is increased by a family history of CAD and the elevated CRP level.