Belinda Cummings is a 39-year-old black female who feels fine. However, she recently had her cholesterol level checked at her church’s health fair where she was told that it exceeded the normal value....

Belinda Cummings is a 39-year-old black female who feels fine. However, she recently had her cholesterol level checked at her church’s health fair where she was told that it exceeded the normal value. As directed, she made an appointment and saw her health care provider for a check-up. During the office visit, the nurse collects Belinda’s social and health history. Be Linda’s vital signs are within normal limits, except her blood pressure is elevated (142/90 mmHg). She is also slightly overweight and has been on a low-carbohydrate diet for 1 week. Her favourite foods are potato chips and all dairy products, especially cheese. She admits to smoking less than a pack of cigarettes per day and occasionally drinks a glass of wine with dinner. Belinda is divorced and has one teenage son. A series of laboratory and diagnostic tests is completed during the visit. Belinda’s physical exam is normal, and there are no ECG abnormalities. The blood tests are unremarkable with the exception of the lipid profile. The patient is placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet and prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) 10 mg daily. Belinda is instructed to return to the office in 1 month for a follow-up visit.

1. How would you respond to Belinda when she asks you, “Is high cholesterol due to heredity or from what I eat?”

2. What health teaching should you provide the patient about ways to reduce high blood lipid levels?

3. Create a list of potential adverse effects that this patient should be taught to watch for related to the medication.