Overview Cholesterol Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Any special considerations when drawing the lab (i.e. on ice, etc.) Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing...
Overview
Cholesterol
Normal Value Range
Pathophysiology
Any special considerations when drawing the lab (i.e. on ice, etc.)
Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Nursing Points General
Normal values
Pathophysiology
Functions
Essential in cell membrane formation
Precursor to Vitamin D
Precursor to hormone formation
Synthesized in liver
Lipoproteins
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Removes excess levels of cholesterol
Goal >60 mg/dL
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Contributes to plaque buildup
Goal
Excess cholesterol and lipid buildup
Contributes to:
Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis
Special considerations
Submit in green top tube
Ensure patient fasts
Food intake can alter results
Elevated cholesterol levels
Obesity
Cushing’s Disease
Hypothyroidism
Ischemic heart disease
Diabetes
Liver disease
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Malabsorption
For all patients, attempt to decrease cholesterol levels with diet/exercise;
If no improvement, incorporate statins (unless immediate concern for impending disease (such as stroke or MI)
Decreased cholesterol levels
Burns
Hyperthyroidism
Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia
Malnutrition
Anorexia
Assessment
Assess fitness/activity lifestyle and goals
Assess nutritional status, goals and lifestyle
Therapeutic Management
Incorporate low fat diet
Incorporate fitness/activity increase as tolerated
Nursing Concepts
Lab Values
Nutrition
Patient Education
Educate patient on utilizing a low fat/low cholesterol diet
Educate patient on appropriate fitness or activity level increase dependent on tolerance