Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What are the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome?

1. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, increased abdominal fat

2. Low blood sugar, obesity, history of STEMI

3. Low blood sugar, increased triglycerides, normal lipid panel

4. Hyperglycemia, normal lipid panel, malnutrition

The correct answer is: Hyperglycemia, hypertension, increased abdominal fat

The criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome primarily revolve around the presence of several interrelated health conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The correct answer identifies hyperglycemia, hypertension, and increased abdominal fat as key components of metabolic syndrome. Hyperglycemia refers to elevated blood glucose levels, which can indicate insulin resistance. Hypertension is another critical factor, as high blood pressure is often observed in conjunction with metabolic abnormalities. Increased abdominal fat, often measured by waist circumference, is significant for determining obesity distribution, particularly visceral fat, which is linked to metabolic alterations and increased cardiovascular risk. These three criteria align with the definitions provided by health organizations, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the disorder's components. In contrast, the other choices do not include the correct combination of recognized risk factors for metabolic syndrome, focusing instead on conditions that do not align with its established diagnostic criteria. For instance, low blood sugar is not associated with metabolic syndrome, and a normal lipid panel does not typically indicate the presence of this syndrome, nor does malnutrition relate to the syndrome's risk factors in a direct way.