A nurse is reinforcing teaching about saturated fats with a client who is at risk for cardiovascular disease. Which of the following cooking fats should the nurse recommend the client use?

Choice A reason: Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase blood glucose levels and worsen diabetes mellitus, which is a risk factor for stroke.

Choice B reason: HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past three months. A higher HbA1c level indicates poor glycemic control and increases the risk for stroke. The target HbA1c level for most people with diabetes mellitus is less than 7 percent.

Choice C reason: Having a high total cholesterol level is a risk factor for stroke, as it can lead to atherosclerosis and plaque formation in the blood vessels. The target total cholesterol level for most people is less than 200 mg/dL.

Choice D reason: Losing excess weight can lower blood pressure, improve blood glucose levels, and reduce inflammation, which are all beneficial for preventing stroke.

The sequence the nurse should use to administer the medication using the Z-track technique is:

- Step 1: Put on gloves and cleanse the site with an antiseptic swab.

- Step 2: Use the nondominant hand to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue 2.5 cm (1 in) laterally.

- Step 3: Insert the needle into the muscle.

- Step 4: Aspirate by pulling back on the plunger and inject the medication.

- Step 5: Remove the needle and release the tissue.