Osteoporosis literally means porous bones
Overview
Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” It is a chronic, progressive metabolic bone disease that is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. The resultant bone fragility causes an increased susceptibility to fractures, most commonly in the wrist, hip, and vertebral column.
Osteoporosis is very common, affecting 54 million Americans. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Additionally, the disease is more common in women than men.
Nursing and interprofessional care begins with prevention of osteoporosis by focusing on proper nutrition, exercise, and drug therapies. Once osteoporosis has started, it is difficult to reverse the loss of bone. Therapy is then aimed at preventing progression and complications of the disorder.
Objectives
Identify factors that increase a patient’s risk for developing osteoporosis.
Discuss interventions used to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
Describe clinical manifestations associated with osteoporosis.
Evaluate results of diagnostic studies for a patient with osteoporosis.
Describe interprofessional care management of a patient with osteoporosis.
Develop an individualized teaching plan for a patient with osteoporosis.
Case Study
A.Z. is a 55-year-old white female who works 12-hour days as a legal secretary. She has no scheduled exercise regimen. Her past medical history includes hypothyroidism since age 28, for which she takes levothyroxine (Synthroid) 150 mcg daily. She is also lactose intolerant and uses Lactaid enzyme to combat these symptoms. She is 5’3″ tall and weighs 125 pounds. A.Z. has smoked 1½ packs of cigarettes per day for the past 30 years and is a social drinker. She denies the use of illicit drugs. Her mother, originally from Scandinavia, died at the age of 75 from complications following a hip fracture. Her father is alive and in good health. She has no siblings.
Answer preview to Osteoporosis literally means porous bones
APA
659 words
