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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Encouraging the client to bear down is not an appropriate response to abdominal cramps during an enema. Bearing down can increase discomfort and does not address the underlying cause of the cramps.
Choice B Reason:
Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure is not the best initial action. While it is important to document the client’s response, there are other steps that can be taken to alleviate the discomfort before stopping the procedure entirely.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. Lowering the height of the solution container will reduce the flow rate of the enema solution, which can help alleviate abdominal cramps. A slower flow rate is less likely to cause cramping and discomfort.
Choice D Reason:
Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing can help relieve discomfort, but it is not the most immediate or effective action. Adjusting the flow rate by lowering the height of the solution container is a more direct way to address the issue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
There is a causal link between lying down after eating and the increased onset of GERD. Lying down can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, exacerbating GERD symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
Taking aspirin with GERD is not recommended. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the stomach lining and worsen GERD symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. Alcohol and caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and aggravate GERD symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
There is no evidence to suggest that mercury-containing foods, such as some seafood, are linked to GERD. The primary dietary concerns for GERD involve foods and beverages that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter or increase stomach acid production.

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