A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoporosis.
Which clinical findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).
Increased bone density.
Height loss over time.
Fractures with minimal trauma.
Kyphosis or stooped posture.
Muscle weakness.
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Increased bone density is not an expected clinical finding in a patient with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density, which leads to weak and fragile bones.
Choice B rationale:
Height loss over time is an expected clinical finding in patients with osteoporosis.
The compression fractures that occur in osteoporosis can lead to a gradual loss of height as the spine becomes more curved.
Choice C rationale:
Fractures with minimal trauma are a hallmark of osteoporosis.
Weakened bones in individuals with osteoporosis are more prone to fracture even with minimal or no significant trauma.
Choice D rationale:
Kyphosis or stooped posture is a common clinical finding in individuals with advanced osteoporosis.
As vertebral compression fractures occur, they can lead to a stooped or hunched posture.
Choice E rationale:
Muscle weakness can be a clinical finding in patients with osteoporosis, especially if they have been less active due to pain or fractures.
Weakened bones can also lead to decreased mobility, contributing to muscle weakness.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"You should engage in high-impact exercises to strengthen your bones." While weight-bearing exercises are beneficial for bone health, high-impact exercises may not be suitable for all individuals with osteoporosis.
High-impact exercises can increase the risk of fractures in some cases.
Therefore, it is essential to tailor exercise recommendations to the individual's specific needs and limitations.
Choice B rationale:
"Avoid any physical activity to prevent the risk of falls." This statement is incorrect.
Encouraging complete avoidance of physical activity is not appropriate.
Physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises, can help maintain bone density and improve overall health.
However, individuals with osteoporosis should engage in safe and appropriate activities to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Choice C rationale:
"Encourage weight-bearing exercises and physical activity." This statement is the correct answer.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and strength training, can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis.
Physical activity is an essential component of osteoporosis management when done safely and under guidance.
Choice D rationale:
"Rest and immobility are essential to prevent fractures." This statement is incorrect.
Rest and immobility can lead to muscle weakness and further bone loss in individuals with osteoporosis.
Encouraging mobility and appropriate physical activity is essential for maintaining bone health.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Kyphosis is the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints.
Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that causes a forward rounding of the back.
It is commonly associated with osteoporosis in older adults, especially postmenopausal women.
As bone density decreases due to osteoporosis, the vertebrae become more susceptible to compression fractures, which can lead to the characteristic hunched posture seen in kyphosis.
This abnormal curvature can cause back pain and a noticeable loss of height, aligning with the client's complaints.
Choice B rationale:
Joint stiffness is less likely to be the primary finding in this case.
While osteoporosis can lead to joint discomfort and stiffness, it is not the primary cause of the client's symptoms.
The client's complaint of back pain and loss of height is more indicative of a spinal issue such as kyphosis.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle weakness is also less likely to be the primary finding in this case.
While muscle weakness can contribute to posture changes and back pain, it is often a secondary effect of conditions like osteoporosis.
The client's primary concern is the change in height and persistent back pain, which are better explained by kyphosis.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased appetite is unrelated to the client's musculoskeletal complaints.
It is not a typical symptom of osteoporosis or kyphosis.
Therefore, it is not the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints.
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