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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Regularly consuming high-dose calcium supplements is not an effective prevention strategy for osteoporosis.
While calcium intake is important for bone health, excessive calcium supplementation can have adverse effects and does not replace the need for a well-balanced diet and other preventive measures.
Choice B rationale:
Engaging in weight-bearing exercises is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, help to strengthen bones and improve bone density.
Choice C rationale:
Smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors for osteoporosis and should be avoided as part of prevention strategies.
They can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of fractures.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding exposure to sunlight is not an effective strategy for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Sunlight exposure is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, which is important for calcium absorption and bone health.
Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for preventing osteoporosis.
Questions
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.
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.