Problem:
Mr. White is a 60-year-old healthy patient who presents to a clinic for an annual exam. His BP was elevated at his last three exams. He reports smoking cigarettes (a pack a day for 10 years) and occasional headaches. His mom died years ago from a stroke. He has no current medications. His vital signs are stable, and his weight is 310 lbs. The pertinent lab results from today's visit are as follows: CBC with diff is normal Total cholesterol is 288 LDL is 98 HDL is 35 Urinalysis is negative for protein, WBC, RBC, and sediment Normal LFTs Which of the following important clinical treatments and interventions can an NP add to assist the patient in modifying risks for cerebrovascular events? A prescription for simvastatin 40mg po daily with follow-up labs of lipid panel, CBC, urinalysis in 6 months A prescription for ASA 325mg daily with follow-up labs at the routine annual visit A prescription for ASA 81mg po daily with follow-up labs of CBC and urinalysis to be collected at the next scheduled visit A recommendation for weight loss as the only intervention needed at this time