A 50-year-old woman with an elevated total cholesterol level is visiting the clinic to find out about her laboratory results. What would be important for the nurse to include in the patient teaching in relation to these tests?

A) The risks of undernutrition should be included.
B) Offer methods to reduce the stress in her life.
C) Provide information regarding a diet low in saturated fat.
D) This condition is hereditary; there is little she can do to change the levels.

The patient with elevated cholesterol level should be taught about eating a healthy diet that limits the intake of foods high in saturated fats. Reducing dietary fats is part of the treatment for this condition. The other responses are not pertinent to her condition. There is nothing in the question to indicate there is a risk for undernutrition or stress. Although there may be some hereditary component to elevated cholesterol, maintaining a diet low in saturated fats can lower cholesterol levels. Therefore, this patient should be taught about eating a healthy diet that limits the intake of foods high in saturated fats.