What is a potential complication of Paget's disease?

Assisting with range-of-motion exercises is important when caring for a patient with Paget's disease. Range-of-motion exercises can help maintain joint mobility and prevent joint contractures, which may occur due to bone changes in the disease.

a. Encouraging bed rest to prevent fractures: Bed rest is not recommended for individuals with Paget's disease, as it can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness.

c. Administering corticosteroids to reduce inflammation: Corticosteroids are not typically used to treat Paget's disease, as they do not address the underlying bone changes.

d. Providing a high-calcium diet: While adequate calcium intake is important for bone health, a high-calcium diet is not a specific nursing intervention for Paget's disease. Bisphosphonates are typically prescribed to address bone changes.

A bone scan is the most appropriate diagnostic test for confirming the diagnosis of Paget's disease. It can reveal increased bone turnover and abnormal bone remodeling patterns characteristic of the condition. The bone scan can show "hot spots" of increased uptake in affected bones.

a. Complete blood count (CBC): While a CBC can be useful in ruling out other conditions, it does not directly diagnose Paget's disease. Specific bone imaging is required for confirmation.
c. Liver function tests (LFTs): Liver function tests are not used to diagnose Paget's disease. The condition primarily affects bone structures, and liver involvement is not a primary concern.
d. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): While an MRI can provide detailed images of bones and soft tissues, it may not be the initial choice for diagnosing Paget's disease. A bone scan is more specific to evaluate bone turnover and remodeling.