Assessing a patient

The 42-year-old female patient presents for follow up on lab results from her annual physical exam completed a week ago. The lab results are as follows: Triglycerides 225, LDL 170, HDL 22, HgBA1c 8.3% Patient history reveals a 20 pack-a-year smoking history and type 2 diabetes. The last labs done 18 months ago were normal. What is this patient’s cardiovascular risk based on these lab results? Describe how the FNP would clinically manage and follow up this patient. List the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

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Sample Answer

The patient’s cardiovascular risk based on these lab results is high. Her triglycerides are elevated, her LDL is high, and her HDL is low. These are all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Her HbA1c is also elevated, which is a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetes is another major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

The FNP would clinically manage and follow up this patient by:

  • Recommending lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
  • Prescribing medications to lower her cholesterol and blood sugar.
  • Monitoring her lab results regularly to see how she is responding to treatment.

Full Answer Section

The pharmacological interventions that the FNP might recommend include:

A statin to lower her LDL cholesterol.
A fibrate to lower her triglycerides.
A medication to lower her blood sugar.
The non-pharmacological interventions that the FNP might recommend include:

Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.
Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Quitting smoking.
The FNP would also need to monitor the patient’s lab results regularly to see how she is responding to treatment. If her cholesterol and blood sugar levels do not improve with lifestyle changes and medications, the FNP may need to consider other treatment options, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty.

The patient’s cardiovascular risk is high, but it is not insurmountable. By making lifestyle changes and taking medications, she can significantly reduce her risk of heart disease and stroke

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