LDL Cholesterol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

LDL Cholesterol - Essay Example Therefore, it is not easy for anyone to know whether they are in danger or not. As a matter of caution, people are advised to have their cholesterol levels assessed regularly. These checks are conducted through ‘lipoprotein profile’ blood tests (National Cholesterol Education Program, 2005). The total level of cholesterol is significant in determining the risk of CHD in any individual. The total cholesterol level is computed by adding bad (LDL cholesterol), good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides. The difference between LDL and HDL is that LDL contributes to the build up and blockage of arteries, whereas; HDL prevents cholesterol build within arteries. Comprehensive assessment of cholesterol levels requires a lipoprotein profile test. However, where this is not possible one can still get a general idea on the probable level of their cholesterol and risk level. Cholesterol measures are done in milligrams (mg) per deciliter of blood (dL), and any levels above 200mg/dL or below 40mg/dL require that a lipoprotein profile be conducted (National Cholesterol Education Program, 2005). The levels of HDL should be preferably higher (at least 60 mg/dL) because of the positive role of protecting against CHD. However, levels below 40 mg/dL should be worrying because this level is below minimum and could be a risk because it increases chances of CHD (National Cholesterol Education Program, 2005). The risk of getting CHD is determined by multiple factors including cholesterol levels, lifestyle and pre-existent conditions such as diabetes (National Cholesterol Education Program, 2005). The risk of developing CHD is determined by considering the risk factors, which are scored against the scale established in the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). The FRS is made up of a number of scoring systems for determining the probability of an individual to get CHD. The first step entails assessing the number of risk factors that an individual possesses. Each

Topic CRITICAL REFLECTION AND DECISIONMAKING REPORT RELATED TO THE Essay

Topic CRITICAL REFLECTION AND DECISIONMAKING REPORT RELATED TO THE UTILISATION OF EVIDENCE - Essay Example Therefore, it is a necessity on the part of the nurse to review appropriate research in the area to check if her approach to that particular clinical problem is appropriate, effective, and ethical. In this assignment, I will present my critical thinking and reflective practice on the issue of use of restraint on patients, which I encountered in my practice based on analysis of evidence as indicated in literature and as summarised in Joanna Briggs Evidence Based Practice Information Sheet for Health Professionals Part I for use in acute and residential care facilities in the following format. The Part II of the document could not be retrieved due to copyright issues (Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery, 2002). This document has been created from the systemic reviews of evidences reflected in literature. There is a guide for level of evidences so the reader can evaluate the effectiveness, meaningfulness, and appropriateness of the evidence. The authors succinctly present the overall objectives of the guidelines in relation to use of restraints in acute and residential care settings. ... Therefore this document presented the findings from a systemic review on this topic as the best evidence-based guideline that can be used in practice. This design is appropriate to the objectives since this can lead to more vigorous evidence than personal opinion, and the evidence can be tailored to the specific focus of the review. This objective identifies an area of practice where practice needs summarised evidence through systemic reviews of international research. This puts an emphasis on rational action through a structured appraisal of empirical evidence, where unquestionably effective healthcare may be delivered (Evans D, et al. 2002). Aspect ii The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described. This document elicits the clinical questions, and the guidelines clearly address these problems. The first part of this document talks about the use and impact of restraints and the possible adverse effects from their use. Although the second part is not available here, the need to minimise restraints has been projected, which links to the guidelines. The guidelines have been derived from the recommendations in the literature which can be examined based on level of evidence. Thus this document both generates evidence and synthesise them so they can be utilised. The problem essentially is routine use of physical restraints and bed side rails in acute and long-term care facilities in an attempt to reduce liability and fall events that these patients are prone to suffer, even to the extent of 25 to 85% and in many cases unnecessary. Restraints themselves may be associated with many complications. As a result, these should be used minimally and