Question

The table below lists the normal ranges of various chemicals found in human blood. $$ \begin{array}{|l|l|} \hline \text { Substance } & \text { Normal Range } \\ \hline \text { total cholesterol } & 125-200 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL} \\ \hline \text { HDL cholesterol } & \text { under } 40 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL} \\ \hline \text { LDL cholesterol } & \text { under } 130 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL} \\ \hline \text { triglycerides } & \text { under } 150 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL} \\\ \hline \end{array} $$ Which of the following statements is accurate based on the table above? A. A total cholesterol level of 150 is considered normal. B. A triglyceride level of 180 is considered normal. C. An LDL cholesterol level of 110 is considered above normal. D. A triglyceride level of 100 is considered abnormal.

Short answer

A total cholesterol level of 150 is considered normal.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the normal ranges from the table

From the table above, we can determine the normal ranges for each of the chemicals: - Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dL - HDL cholesterol: under 40 mg/dL - LDL cholesterol: under 130 mg/dL - Triglycerides: under 150 mg/dL

Analyze each statement

We will now analyze each statement to determine if they are accurate based on the table. A. A total cholesterol level of 150 is considered normal. This statement is accurate because 150 mg/dL is within the normal range of total cholesterol (125-200 mg/dL). B. A triglyceride level of 180 is considered normal. This statement is inaccurate because 180 mg/dL is above the normal range of triglycerides (under 150 mg/dL). C. An LDL cholesterol level of 110 is considered above normal. This statement is inaccurate because 110 mg/dL is within the normal range of LDL cholesterol (under 130 mg/dL). D. A triglyceride level of 100 is considered abnormal. This statement is inaccurate because 100 mg/dL is within the normal range of triglycerides (under 150 mg/dL). Based on the analysis, we can see that statement A is the only accurate statement.

Key concepts

Human Blood Chemistry

Human blood chemistry is a fascinating and essential field of study. It involves understanding the various chemicals present in our blood and how they contribute to our overall health. These chemicals include proteins, glucose, electrolytes, and lipids (fats), among others.
Blood chemistry can tell us how well our organs are working, our nutritional state, and whether we have diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.

• Proteins in the blood, like albumin and globulins, help maintain fluid balance and transport nutrients.
• Glucose levels offer insight into how the body is managing sugar, which is crucial for diagnosing diabetes.
• Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, play key roles in nerve signaling and muscle contraction.

Understanding blood chemistry is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various health conditions.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels are vital indicators of heart health. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is necessary for building cells and producing certain hormones. However, having too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart disease.
Cholesterol in blood comes in different types:

• Total cholesterol is the overall amount, combining different types of cholesterol.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is often termed ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol as it can accumulate in the arteries, leading to blockages and heart problems.

Managing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication, if necessary, is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Normal Blood Chemical Ranges

Normal blood chemical ranges are set levels that help determine whether the concentration of certain substances in the blood are within healthy limits. These ranges act as a benchmark for diagnosing potential health issues.

• Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dL is considered normal.
• HDL cholesterol: Under 40 mg/dL is normal, but higher HDL levels can be even better for health.
• LDL cholesterol: Levels should remain under 130 mg/dL to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Triglycerides: Normal range is under 150 mg/dL, crucial for assessing risk of heart disease.

These values help doctors and patients understand what's going on inside the body and if there's a need to adjust lifestyles or treatment plans.

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are crucial in interpreting scientific data, such as blood chemistry results. These skills help you analyze information logically and make informed decisions.
When evaluating statements or data, like in the exercise problem, you need to:

• Identify and understand the information provided, such as normal ranges.
• Carefully compare given levels against these ranges.
• Draw conclusions based on a logical assessment of this comparison.
• Recognize biases or errors, ensuring accurate understanding is relayed.

Developing these skills can enhance problem-solving abilities in both academic settings and real-world scenarios, allowing better decision-making in healthcare and daily life.