HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank related questions and content

Which client is at greatest risk for coronary artery disease?

  • A. A 32-year-old female with mitral valve prolapse who quit smoking 10 years ago.
  • B. A 43-year-old male with a family history of CAD and a cholesterol level of 158 (8.8 mmol/L).
  • C. A 56-year-old male with an HDL of 60 (3.3 mmol/L) who takes atorvastatin.
  • D. A 65-year-old female who is obese with an LDL of 188 (10.4 mmol/L).
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The 65-year-old female who is obese with a high LDL level of 188 (10.4 mmol/L) is at the greatest risk for coronary artery disease. Obesity and high LDL cholesterol levels are significant risk factors for developing coronary artery disease. While factors like mitral valve prolapse (choice A) and a family history of CAD (choice B) can contribute to the risk, they are not as significant as obesity and high LDL levels. Choice C, a 56-year-old male with high HDL and taking atorvastatin, is actually at lower risk due to the high HDL levels and being on statin therapy, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of coronary artery disease.