The NP sees a 53-year-old woman of Asian descent who has a history of smoking and a BMI of 20. The NP evaluates her for osteoporosis. What is the pathophysiology of this disease process?
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that damages or destroys synovial joint structure and articular cartilage of the joints.
Excess osteoclastic activity is followed by compensatory osteoblastic activity, leading to the formation of bone that is less compact, mechanically weaker, and more susceptible to fracture.
Osteoporosis is an autoimmune disorder in which inflammation of the synovium leads to joint destruction and deformity.
Osteoporosis is an imbalance of bone resorption and bone remodeling that leads to decreased skeletal mass.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This description applies to osteoarthritis, not osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis involves degeneration of joint cartilage and synovial structures, whereas osteoporosis affects bone density and strength.
Choice B reason: While this statement touches on bone remodeling, it inaccurately suggests that compensatory osteoblastic activity leads to structurally inferior bone. In osteoporosis, the imbalance favors osteoclastic resorption over osteoblastic formation, resulting in net bone loss.
Choice C reason: This description is characteristic of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporosis is not autoimmune in nature and does not involve synovial inflammation.
Choice D reason: Osteoporosis is defined by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration due to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. Risk factors include smoking, low BMI, Asian ethnicity, and postmenopausal status, all of which apply to this patient. The disease increases fracture risk due to weakened bone structure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blurred vision is the hallmark early symptom of cataract formation. It results from the clouding of the lens, which scatters light and reduces visual clarity. Patients often describe difficulty reading, glare sensitivity, and needing more light for tasks.
Choice B reason: Headache is not a typical symptom of cataracts. It may occur with other ocular conditions like glaucoma or refractive errors but is not a primary indicator of lens opacity.
Choice C reason: Floaters are associated with vitreous degeneration or retinal detachment, not cataracts. They appear as spots or threads in the visual field and are unrelated to lens changes.
Choice D reason: Eye strain may occur with uncorrected refractive errors or prolonged screen use but is not a defining feature of cataracts. It lacks the specificity and diagnostic relevance of blurred vision.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood and is a hallmark sign of upper GI bleeding, not lower. It typically results from bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding does not cause hematemesis because the bleeding occurs distal to the stomach and is not regurgitated.
Choice B reason: Melena refers to black, tarry stools caused by the digestion of blood in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a sign of upper GI bleeding, not lower. The blood must be exposed to digestive enzymes long enough to change color and consistency, which occurs in the upper GI tract.
Choice C reason: Melena is most commonly associated with upper GI bleeding, particularly from sources such as peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastric erosions. The dark color results from hemoglobin breakdown during transit through the GI tract, confirming an upper origin.
Choice D reason: Hematochezia, or the passage of bright red blood per rectum, is typically associated with lower GI bleeding, such as from the colon or rectum. While rapid upper GI bleeding can occasionally present this way, it is not the typical presentation and should not be used to define upper GI bleeding.
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