A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has osteoporosis. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the pathophysiology of osteoporosis?
Autoimmune disorder affecting the bones
Buildup of inflammation in the joints
Increase in calcium levels in the blood
Bone loss in the cortical and cancellous bones
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Autoimmune disorder affecting the bones
Osteoporosis is not an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which is not the case with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a decrease in bone density and mass, leading to fragile bones.
Choice B Reason: Buildup of inflammation in the joints
While inflammation can affect bone health, osteoporosis is not primarily caused by inflammation in the joints. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis involve joint inflammation, but osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density and strength, not joint inflammation.
Choice C Reason: Increase in calcium levels in the blood
An increase in calcium levels in the blood is not a characteristic of osteoporosis. In fact, osteoporosis often involves a decrease in bone calcium content, leading to weaker bones. Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism.
Choice D Reason: Bone loss in the cortical and cancellous bones
This is the correct description of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density in both the cortical (hard outer layer) and cancellous (spongy inner layer) bones. This loss leads to bones becoming brittle and more susceptible to fractures.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The most important thing is that now you are here, and it is going to get taken care of
While this statement is reassuring, it does not provide the client with the specific information they are seeking about adhesions. Clients often feel more at ease when they understand the cause of their condition. Providing clear and accurate information helps reduce anxiety and empowers the client to be more involved in their care.
Choice B Reason: This means that scar tissue formed from the healing of a past abdominal surgery is now constricting the opening in your intestine
This statement is the best response because it directly addresses the client’s question about adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after abdominal surgery, causing organs or tissues to stick together. These adhesions can constrict the intestines, leading to a blockage. Providing this explanation helps the client understand the cause of their condition and the reason for the surgery.
Choice C Reason: I will be happy to go and get you some reading materials about this procedure to explain it further
Offering reading materials can be helpful, but it does not immediately address the client’s anxiety or their specific question about adhesions. While additional information can be beneficial, the nurse should first provide a clear and direct explanation to help the client understand their condition.
Choice D Reason: It’s okay. It happens all the time and I’ve seen a lot of clients with this issue
This statement may come across as dismissive and does not provide the client with the information they need. While it is important to reassure the client, it is equally important to provide specific information about their condition. Understanding the cause of their symptoms can help reduce anxiety and improve the client’s overall experience.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Rubeola, also known as measles, is highly contagious and spreads through airborne transmission. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. This makes it one of the most easily spread diseases through airborne particles.
Choice B Reason:
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, not through airborne transmission. It spreads via spores that can survive on surfaces and be ingested, leading to infection.
Choice C Reason:
Varicella, or chickenpox, is transmitted through airborne particles. The virus can spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This makes it an airborne disease.
Choice D Reason:
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. The bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours, making TB an airborne disease.
Choice E Reason:
Staphylococcus aureus is not typically transmitted through airborne means. It spreads through direct contact with infected wounds, contaminated surfaces, or through respiratory droplets in some cases. However, it is not considered an airborne disease.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
