An older patient has a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft) 25 mg/day, P O. to be taken for 1 week and then increased to 50 mg/day the second week. The pharmacy gives the patient 50-mg tablets. How many tablets will the patient take per day during the first week?

Explanation:

A. Noncompliance implies that the client is not following a prescribed treatment plan, which may not be the case here as the client is being educated.

B. Deficient knowledge reflects the need for education regarding lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, which is appropriate for a client newly diagnosed with hyperlipidemia.

C. Impaired health maintenance might be applicable if the client was not adhering to prescribed drug therapy, but this diagnosis doesn't address the need for education.

D. Self-care deficit may apply if the client is unable to perform necessary self-care activities due to physical limitations but does not address the educational aspect of dietary changes.

A. Total cholesterol levels alone do not provide sufficient information about the lipid profile; it is important to assess individual components such as LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

B. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease when elevated, so it should not be high.

C. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and lower levels are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol, and higher levels are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.