What laboratory finding should a nurse identify as increasing the risk of atherosclerosis?

Elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels are recognized as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol," as it plays a critical role in the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques in the arterial walls. These plaques can lead to narrowed arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

In contrast, elevated HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels are considered beneficial since HDL is known as "good cholesterol." It helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. Normal triglyceride levels are less of a direct indicator for atherosclerosis risk, and reduced cholesterol levels, while they might seem beneficial, do not specifically signal an increased risk for atherosclerosis. Rather, it's the balance and concentrations of different lipoproteins that matter most in evaluating cardiovascular health. Elevated LDL levels are thus a primary concern in assessing and managing the risk of atherosclerosis.