Question

The nurse practitioner is beginning pharmacologic management of dyslipidemia in a 47-year-old male patient whose lipid panel is as follows:

-Total cholesterol=249 mg/dL (6.45 mmol/L)
-HDL-C=39 mg/dL (1.01 mmol/L)
-TG=279 mg/dL (3.15 mmol/L)
-LDL-C=191 mg/dL (4.94 mmol/L)
The appropriate class of agent is a(n):
a) Omega-3 fatty acid such as fish oil.
b) Fibric acid derivative such as fenofibrate.
c) Cholesterol absorption inhibitor such as ezetimibe.
d) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor such as simvastatin.

Answer 1

The appropriate class of agent for managing dyslipidemia in the given patient is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor such as simvastatin. Statins are commonly used to reduce cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate class of agent for managing dyslipidemia in the given patient is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor such as simvastatin (option d). Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. In this case, the patient's total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels are elevated, indicating the need for pharmacologic management. Statins, such as simvastatin, are the most commonly used drugs for reducing cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.

Statins, such as simvastatin, are the most commonly used drugs for reducing cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis. By reducing cholesterol production, statins help lower LDL-C levels and improve the LDL:HDL ratio. While other options like omega-3 fatty acids (option a), fibric acid derivatives (option b), and cholesterol absorption inhibitors (option c) may be used in certain cases, the patient's lipid profile suggests that an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is the most appropriate choice.