# N15 · Lipids and Cardiovascular Review

The useful question is what this result changes for this patient’s established cardiovascular plan.

![Infographic: N15 · Lipids and Cardiovascular Review](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/nursing-n15.png?v=20261003c)

## Was treatment already established?

Record the statin/other lipid drug and whether it started before maintenance dialysis. Bring the indication, cardiovascular history, tolerance, and hospital changes. Continuing an established drug and starting one after dialysis begins are different clinical decisions.

## Bring the cardiovascular context

Include prior infarction, stroke, coronary procedures, symptomatic vascular disease, recent admissions, and transplant planning. This history helps the prescriber interpret a result within the patient’s broader goals of care.

## What will this lipid test change?

Confirm the ordered test’s purpose and the responsible prescriber. Routine monthly LDL scorecards are not the default dialysis strategy. A new result should trigger the intended review, not automatic nurse-led titration or discontinuation.

## Know the evidence distinction

Starting a statin after maintenance dialysis begins and continuing treatment already established are different decisions. Dialysis trial results should not be generalized into an instruction to stop every patient’s existing medicine.

## Escalate symptoms and intolerance

New chest pain, severe breathlessness, syncope, or stroke symptoms needs emergency assessment. Report new muscle symptoms, suspected interactions, or a conflicting medication list promptly to the responsible prescriber.

## Close the medication decision

Handoff current drug/dose, start date relative to dialysis, symptoms, interactions, lipid result, and the patient’s concern. Record continue/change/review as the clinician’s decision and the follow-up date. Do not substitute an OTC supplement for prescribed therapy.

## Source lessons

- [N15 Lipids and Cardiovascular Review](https://urinenephrology.org/mastery/maintenance-hd/nursing/N15-Lipids-and-Cardiovascular-Review.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.