A middle-aged woman was obese and being treated for hypertension; and

A middle-aged woman was obese and being treated for hypertension; and her blood tests showed elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Besides recommending physical activity, which of the following nutritional guidance should be provided by the nurse?
a.
Buy a good diet book, and follow its advice.
b.
Eat fish and seafood such as salmon, halibut, tuna, and scallops at least three times a week.
c.
Use olive oil when you cook, especially if you are frying food.
d.
You have to lose weight, so stop all desserts and eat nothing but salads for 2 weeks.

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. These factors include abdominal obesity (waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women), dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and low HDL), insulin resistance, and elevated blood pressure. The underlying etiology of metabolic syndrome is related to the combination of inactivity, obesity, and genetics. Nutritional advice should focus on weight loss, use of olive oil (but do not fry foods), and eating fish and seafood such as salmon, halibut, tuna, and scallops at least three times a week to increase omega-3 intake.