A patient with peripheral vascular disease has been on pentoxifylline (Trental) for 2 weeks.

Which statements by the patient indicate no need for further patient teaching about the disease? Select all that apply.

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it can be removed.HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps protect against heart disease by lowering the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.Increasing HDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice A is wrong because increasing LDL cholesterol levels would have the opposite effect.

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body, where it can accumulate in the walls of the arteries and form plaque.

LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it increases the risk of heart disease by narrowing and hardening the arteries.Decreasing LDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice C is wrong because increasing triglyceride levels would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulates in the blood and provides energy for the body.

However, when triglycerides are too high, they can contribute to plaque formation in the arteries and inflammation of the pancreas.

High triglycerides are often associated with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and low thyroid levels.Lowering triglyceride levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice D is wrong because increasing intake of saturated fats would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Saturated fats are a type of fat that are solid at room temperature and are found mostly in animal products, such as meat, butter, cheese, and cream.

Saturated fats can raise both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, but they also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.Reducing intake of saturated fats and replacing them with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

The normal ranges for blood lipid levels are as follows:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

• HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) or higher for men; 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) or higher for women

• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

Thiazide diuretics are sulfa-containing drugs and can cause allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to sulfa compounds.These reactions can include headaches, rash, hives, swelling of the mouth and lips, wheezing or trouble breathing, asthma attack, and anaphylaxis.

Choice A is wrong because iodine is not a component of thiazide diuretics and is not related to sulfa allergy.

Choice B is wrong because latex is not a component of thiazide diuretics and is not related to sulfa allergy.

Choice C is wrong because shellfish is not a component of thiazide diuretics and is not related to sulfa allergy.

Shellfish allergy is usually caused by a protein called tropomyosin, not by iodine or sulfa compounds.

Thiazide diuretics are drugs that inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and water in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, leading to increased urine output.They are used to treat hypertension, edema, heart failure, and some kidney diseases.Some examples of thiazide diuretics are hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and indapamide.