While hospitalized, an elderly patient with a history of myocardial infarction was noted to have high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). What is the significance of this finding?

Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would be unlikely to affect the progression of this disease.

Increased LDL levels are indicative of moderate alcohol intake, and patients should be advised to abstain.

Increased LDL levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Elevated LDL levels are an expected finding in the elderly and therefore are not particularly significant.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would indeed affect the progression of cardiovascular disease. Lowering LDL levels through lifestyle changes, medication, or both can significantly reduce the risk of further heart-related events and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because managing LDL levels remains crucial for elderly patients with a history of myocardial infarction.

Choice B reason: Increased LDL levels are not specifically indicative of moderate alcohol intake. While excessive alcohol consumption can affect lipid levels, the primary significance of elevated LDL is its association with the risk of cardiovascular disease, not alcohol intake. Therefore, advising patients to abstain from alcohol based solely on increased LDL levels is not a precise recommendation.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL levels are directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. This condition narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is crucial in preventing the progression of CAD, especially in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.

Choice D reason: Elevated LDL levels are not simply an expected finding in the elderly and should not be dismissed as insignificant. Regardless of age, high LDL levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Elderly patients, particularly those with a history of myocardial infarction, should have their LDL levels monitored and managed to reduce the risk of future heart-related events.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels in the blood, is not typically seen in patients with SIADH. SIADH is primarily characterized by water retention and the resultant dilution of electrolytes, most notably sodium. Potassium levels are not directly affected by the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) abnormalities present in SIADH, and thus hyperkalemia is not an expected finding.

Choice B reason: Hypokalemia, which refers to low potassium levels in the blood, is also not a characteristic feature of SIADH. While potassium imbalances can occur due to a variety of conditions and medications, they are not the hallmark of SIADH. The syndrome's primary effect on electrolyte balance involves sodium, not potassium.

Choice C reason: Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, is the defining feature of SIADH. In this condition, excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leads to increased water reabsorption in the kidneys. This excess water dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream, leading to hyponatremia. The resulting imbalance can cause symptoms ranging from mild (such as headache and nausea) to severe (such as seizures and altered mental status), depending on the degree of sodium depletion.

Choice D reason: Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, is not associated with SIADH. The condition of SIADH affects water and sodium balance due to inappropriate ADH secretion but does not typically influence calcium levels. Hypercalcemia can be seen in other conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancies, but it is not related to the pathophysiology of SIADH.

A. There is a 50% chance that the offspring will be affected. B. There is a 100% chance that the offspring will be affected. C. There is a 25% chance that the offspring will be a carrier. D. There is a 25% chance that the offspring will be affected.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: There is a 50% chance that the offspring will be affected by the recessive disorder. If the mother is affected (homozygous recessive, aa) and the father is a carrier (heterozygous, Aa), each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the affected gene (a) from both parents, resulting in the child being homozygous recessive (aa) and thus affected by the disorder.

Choice B reason: There is not a 100% chance that the offspring will be affected. While there is a high probability (50%) that the offspring will be affected, it is not certain that all children will inherit the condition.

Choice C reason: There is not a 25% chance that the offspring will be a carrier. In this case, the offspring have a 50% chance of being carriers (heterozygous, Aa) and a 50% chance of being affected (homozygous recessive, aa).

Choice D reason: There is not a 25% chance that the offspring will be affected. The correct probability for being affected is 50%, not 25%.

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While hospitalized, an elderly patient with a history of myocardial infarction was noted to have high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). What is the significance of this finding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A couple seeks counseling about the risk of their child developing a recessive disorder. The woman is affected and upon further testing it is determined that the man is a carrier. Which of the following is true?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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