The nurse is teaching a client with Paget's disease about potential complications. What complication should the nurse prioritize?

Individuals with Paget's disease should be encouraged to engage in walking and low-impact exercises to promote bone health. These activities are less likely to cause fractures or stress on the bones while still supporting bone strength and density.

a. Participating in high-impact sports: High-impact sports can put excessive stress on the bones and increase the risk of fractures in individuals with Paget's disease. It is not recommended.
b. Limiting physical activity to avoid fractures: While excessive physical activity may need to be moderated to prevent fractures, limiting all physical activity is not advisable. Moderate exercise is essential for overall health and bone strength.
d. Heavy weightlifting: Heavy weightlifting can increase the risk of fractures in individuals with Paget's disease. It is not recommended, as it can put excessive stress on the bones.

The characteristic X-ray finding in Paget's disease is bony overgrowth and thickening of the affected bones. This is due to the increased bone turnover and abnormal remodeling associated with the condition.

a. Decreased bone density: Decreased bone density is associated with osteoporosis, not Paget's disease. In Paget's disease, bone density is often normal or increased due to the disorganized bone remodeling.
b. Erosions and bone cysts: Erosions and bone cysts are not specific to Paget's disease and may be seen in other bone conditions. Bony overgrowth is more characteristic of Paget's disease.
d. Presence of osteoporotic fractures: Osteoporotic fractures are not typically associated with Paget's disease. The increased bone density and thickening in Paget's disease can actually make bones more resistant to fractures.