A 5′ 3″ (1.6 meter) 113-pound (51.3 kg) client has a lipid profile of total cholesterol 267 mg/dL (6.92 mmol/L), LDL 167 mg/dL (4.33 mmol/L), HDL 85 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L), triglycerides 79 mg/dL (0.89 mmol/L), and VLDL 16 mg/dL (0.41 mmol/L). Based on these findings, it is most important for the nurse to teach the client to make every effort to completely avoid which foods?
Reference Range
Total Cholesterol [Reference Range: less than 200 mg/dL]
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) [Reference Range: less than 130 mg/dL]
High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) [Reference Range: Male: greater than 45 mg/dL or greater than 0.75 mmol/L] Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL) [Reference Range: 12 to 30 mg/dL or 0.31 to 0.78 mmol/L]
A.
Nuts.
B.
Shellfish.
C.
Eggs.
D.
Cheese.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Based on the lipid profile provided for the client, the most important food group to completely avoid is:
C. Eggs
Explanation
The client’s lipid profile reveals elevated levels of total cholesterol (267 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (167 mg/dL). Here’s a breakdown of why eggs are particularly concerning and how they relate to these findings:
- Cholesterol Content of Eggs: Eggs are known for their high cholesterol content, particularly in the yolk. A single large egg contains about 186 mg of cholesterol. Consuming eggs can contribute significantly to dietary cholesterol intake, which can impact blood cholesterol levels.
- Impact on LDL Levels: Dietary cholesterol from foods like eggs can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Since the client’s LDL level is already elevated (167 mg/dL), consuming high-cholesterol foods such as eggs could exacerbate this condition and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Dietary Recommendations: The American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend limiting dietary cholesterol to manage blood cholesterol levels. For individuals with high LDL cholesterol, it is especially crucial to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol to prevent further increases in LDL levels.
Comparison with Other Options:
- Nuts: Generally, nuts are considered heart-healthy because they contain unsaturated fats, which can improve lipid profiles. They can actually help lower LDL levels and are not a significant source of cholesterol.
- Shellfish: While some shellfish have cholesterol, they are also low in saturated fat and can be part of a balanced diet. Moderation is key.
- Cheese: Cheese can be high in saturated fats, which might contribute to higher LDL levels. However, it’s not as directly impactful on cholesterol levels as eggs are, given the amount of cholesterol in cheese compared to eggs.
Conclusion:
Given the client’s already elevated cholesterol levels, the most significant dietary concern is the high cholesterol content of eggs. Eliminating or significantly reducing egg consumption would be a prudent step in managing and potentially lowering the client’s cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, and improving overall cardiovascular health.