Author Question: The risk for which health problems can be reduced when blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ... (Read 59 times)

WWatsford · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The risk for which health problems can be reduced when blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are controlled within the normal range? (Select all that apply.)

a. Angina
b. Asthma
c. Colitis
d. Heart attack
e. High blood pressure
f. Parkinson disease
g. Stroke

Question 2

A patient is prescribed an oral corticosteroid for a chronic inflammatory health problem. Which precaution is most important for the nurse to teach?

a. Never stop taking this drug without consulting your prescriber.
b. Avoid crowds and people who are ill.
c. Be sure to take this drug with food.
d. Reduce your salt intake.

dajones82 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, D, E, G
Excessive LDL cholesterol levels cause plaques to form in blood vessels and narrow the area where blood flows through these vessels. This results in reduced blood flow and vital organs may not be well oxygenated. As a result, the risk for angina and stroke is increased. The same nar-rowing of blood vessels increases the resistance in the arterial system and raises blood pressure, leading to hypertension. With hypertension, the heart has to work much harder and may have less blood feeding the heart from the coronary arteries. These two conditions increase the risk for a heart attack. High LDL levels are not associated with an increased risk for asthma, colitis, or Parkinson disease.

Answer to Question 2

A
All of the choices are precautions that the nurse should teach the patient taking an oral corticosteroid for the long term. However, the most critical precaution is to not stop taking the drug because long-term corticosteroid use causes atrophy of the adrenal glands. With adrenal gland atrophy, the person no longer makes his or her own normal levels of corticosteroids, which are essential for life. Long-term steroid use is never suddenly stopped.