The nurse is conducting patient teaching about cholesterol levels.

When discussing the patient’s elevated LDL and lowered HDL levels, which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the significance of these levels?

Choice A rationale:

It is inaccurate to state that men exclusively present with atypical symptoms of CAD. While men are more likely than women to experience atypical symptoms, this does not mean that they never experience chest pain or other typical symptoms.

Chest pain remains the most common symptom of CAD in both men and women. However, it's important to recognize that both genders can experience a range of symptoms, including atypical ones.

Attributing atypical symptoms solely to men can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of CAD in women. This is because women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, and healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms as indicative of CAD.

It's crucial to consider a broad spectrum of symptoms when evaluating patients for potential CAD, regardless of gender.

Choice B rationale:

Chest pain is indeed the most common symptom of CAD. It typically manifests as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back.

Chest pain usually occurs during exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Choice C rationale:

Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying cause of CAD. It's a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the vessels.

This plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in ischemia (lack of oxygen) and the symptoms of CAD.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for developing CAD. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Managing LDL cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications and medications, if necessary, is crucial for reducing the risk of CAD.

Choice A rationale:

Antipyretic action refers to the ability to reduce fever. While aspirin does have antipyretic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Fever is not a characteristic symptom of MI, and reducing fever would not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery.

Choice B rationale:

Antiplatelet action is the ability to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. This is the crucial mechanism by which aspirin helps in the setting of an MI.

During an MI, a blood clot forms in a coronary artery, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This blockage can cause severe damage to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is essential for platelet aggregation. By blocking COX, aspirin prevents platelets from sticking together and forming new clots. This can help to:

Limit the size of the existing clot in the coronary artery.

Prevent the formation of additional clots that could further block blood flow.

Allow for better blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing damage and improving outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Analgesic action refers to the ability to relieve pain. While aspirin does have analgesic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Pain relief is an important aspect of managing MI symptoms, but it does not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the blood clot.

Choice D rationale:

Antithrombotic action is a broader term that encompasses any action that prevents or reduces blood clot formation. Aspirin's antiplatelet action is a specific type of antithrombotic action. However, it's important to note that aspirin does not directly dissolve existing clots; it primarily prevents new clots from forming.