A 44-year-old female patient has recently had her annual physical exam. She calls to inquire about the results of her lipid testing. Her results are as follows: total cholesterol 235 mg/dL, triglycerides 300 mg/dL, LDL 155 mg/dL, and HDL 42 mg/dL. Which of these is the correct way for the nurse to present the results to this patient?

Based on the normal values for lipid evaluation, this patient has only mildly elevated lipid levels. Regardless of the values, all patients with lipid abnormalities should receive instructions for proper lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) as first line therapy. Instructions for pharmacologic therapy and/or further cardiac testing should come from the ordering practitioner and would not be appropriate in this case.