Which client would the nurse suspect has an increased risk of hyperlipidemia?

• A. Client with corneal arcus
• B. Client with yellow lipid lesions on eyelids
• C. Client with hypertension
• D. Client with abdominal obesity

Answer: (A)

Recognizing how lipid disorders show up in the body helps you assess risk. Corneal arcus is a gray-white ring around the edge of the cornea caused by lipid deposits. When it appears, especially in younger adults, it can signal elevated blood lipids and a higher risk for hyperlipidemia and early atherosclerosis. That makes it a strong red flag during assessment, prompting lipid screening and appropriate risk management. While yellow eyelid lesions (xanthelasma) are also associated with lipid abnormalities, and abdominal obesity indicates metabolic risk, corneal arcus is a particularly telling external sign of lipid imbalance. Hypertension is a separate cardiovascular risk factor related to blood pressure, not a direct indicator of lipid status.