A nurse is assessing a client who is newly prescribed atorvastatin for dyslipidemia. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

According to some sources, behavioral modifications for weight loss include:
● Keeping a food journal to track your intake and identify patterns
● Eating smaller portions and using smaller plates
● Filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables
● Getting plenty of sleep and drinking fluids
● Eating slowly and consciously
● Eating breakfast every day
● Avoiding high-calorie add-ons such as cream, butter, mayonnaise and salad dressings
● Not eating while watching television, reading, working or doing other activities
● Planning healthy snacks and meals in advance and bringing them to work
● Replacing eating with another activity that you will not associate with food
Based on these suggestions, the statement that the nurse should include in the teaching is “Make sure to drink water with your meals.” This can help you feel full and hydrated, and reduce your calorie intake from other beverages.
The other statements are either false or not related to behavioral modifications. For example:
● Your biggest meal of the day should be breakfast. This is not a behavioral modification, but a dietary recommendation that may vary depending on your preferences and needs.
● Meal replacement shakes can cause weight gain. This is not a behavioral modification, but a claim that is not supported by evidence. Meal replacement shakes can be part of a weight loss plan if they are used appropriately and provide adequate nutrition.
● Set your weight loss goal to 2.5 pounds per week. This is not a behavioral modification, but a goal that may be unrealistic or unhealthy for some people. A more reasonable goal is to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.

The nurse should expect the client to have a weight loss rate of 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week when reducing their calorie intake by 500 calories per day. A general guideline for weight loss is that a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day can lead to a weight loss of approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week. This estimate is based on the notion that 1 pound of body weight is roughly equivalent to 3,500 calories. By creating a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories), the client can expect to lose around 0.45 kg (1 lb) of weight per week.

It is important to note that individual factors, such as metabolism and activity level, can influence weight loss rates. Therefore, the actual rate of weight loss may vary among individuals. It is generally recommended to aim for gradual and sustainable weight loss rather than rapid or extreme weight loss.