Managing drug therapy: new insights into the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

1. The National Cholesterol Education Program ATP II Report clearly defines those individuals most likely to benefit from drug therapy for treatment of cholesterol. 2. Knowing the choice of drugs, method of action, administration hints, and side effects of these agents is important for occupational health nurses. 3. The nurse's role in providing education, defining techniques to enhance compliance to medications, and reinforcing change in lifestyle behaviors is key to the client's success in maintaining life long therapy for cholesterol management.