What is the best description of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis?
Bone resorption exceeds bone formation, leading to fragile bones.
An abnormal immune response resulting in synovitis and cartilage deterioration.
Articular cartilage is damaged through erosion resulting from excessive mechanical stress.
A bone infection that is typically caused by bacteria.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Osteoporosis results from an imbalance where osteoclast-mediated bone resorption outpaces osteoblast-mediated bone formation, reducing bone density and strength. This leads to fragile, porous bones prone to fractures, especially in the elderly, due to hormonal changes or reduced calcium absorption, making this the correct description.
Choice B reason: An abnormal immune response causing synovitis and cartilage deterioration describes rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis involves autoimmune inflammation of joints, not bone density loss. Osteoporosis primarily affects bone matrix, not cartilage or synovial tissues, making this choice incorrect.
Choice C reason: Cartilage erosion from mechanical stress describes osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, not osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects bone density, not articular cartilage. Mechanical stress may exacerbate joint issues but does not cause the systemic bone loss characteristic of osteoporosis, making this choice incorrect.
Choice D reason: A bacterial bone infection describes osteomyelitis, not osteoporosis. Osteomyelitis involves localized bone inflammation and destruction due to pathogens, not a systemic imbalance of bone remodeling. Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition, not an infectious one, making this choice incorrect for the described pathophysiology.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking pain medications manages symptoms of a sickling crisis but does not prevent it. Sickle cell crises occur due to hemoglobin S polymerization, triggered by hypoxia or dehydration, not directly prevented by analgesics, making this choice incorrect for prevention.
Choice B reason: Avoiding high altitudes reduces hypoxia, a trigger for sickling crises, as low oxygen levels promote hemoglobin S polymerization. While helpful, dehydration is a more significant and common trigger, making this choice less critical than avoiding dehydration.
Choice C reason: A high-protein, high-fat diet does not directly prevent sickling crises. Nutritional balance supports overall health, but sickle cell crises are triggered by dehydration, hypoxia, or infection, not dietary composition, making this choice incorrect for crisis prevention.
Choice D reason: Avoiding dehydration is critical in sickle cell anemia, as low fluid levels increase blood viscosity, promoting hemoglobin S polymerization and red cell sickling. This triggers vaso-occlusive crises, so maintaining hydration prevents these events, making this the correct choice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, does not typically cause decreased calcium. It may lead to hypercalcemia due to increased bone resorption from elevated thyroid hormone levels, which enhance osteoclast activity, making decreased calcium an incorrect laboratory finding for this condition.
Choice B reason: Graves’ disease is characterized by increased thyroid hormone production, including elevated T4 due to autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid. Decreased T4 is associated with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, making this choice incorrect as it contradicts the pathophysiology of Graves’ disease.
Choice C reason: Increased TSH is seen in primary hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive. In Graves’ disease, TSH is typically decreased due to negative feedback from elevated thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), making this choice incorrect for the expected laboratory profile.
Choice D reason: Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, with increased production of thyroid hormones, including T3, due to autoantibodies stimulating TSH receptors. Elevated T3 levels drive metabolic symptoms like weight loss and tachycardia, making this the correct laboratory finding for Graves’ disease.
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