What is an expected outcome for a client prescribed atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a member of the statin class of medications, which are primarily used to manage high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. An expected outcome for a client prescribed atorvastatin is a decrease in serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which is vital for improving overall heart health and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.

Statins like atorvastatin work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in the liver. This inhibition leads to a decrease in the production of cholesterol. As the liver produces less cholesterol, it responds by increasing the expression of LDL receptors on its surface, which promotes the uptake of LDL from the bloodstream, thereby lowering serum LDL levels.

Additionally, a corresponding decrease in total serum cholesterol occurs because LDL is a major component of total cholesterol levels. Hence, both the reduction in LDL and total cholesterol represent the primary objectives in lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin.

The other options provided involve terms or concepts that do not align with the primary actions and expected outcomes of atorvastatin therapy. For instance, sitosterol and campesterol are phytosterols, which are typically not directly influenced