During an assessment of an 82-year-old woman, a gerontological ...

[swpotter12]

During an assessment of an 82-year-old woman, a gerontological nurse learns that the woman has lost over 4 inches in height over the last several years. Which of the following factors have likely contributed to this phenomenon? Select all that apply.
 
  A) The woman's overall proportion of body water has decreased.
  B) The client has experienced a loss of cartilage.
  C) The woman's thyroid hormone levels have declined since the sixth decade.
  D) The client's vertebrae have thinned.
  E) Loss of stature is a consequence of the woman's diet.
  F) The woman's long bones have decreased in length.

Question 2

Prolonged bed rest puts the older adult at risk for
 
  a. ankylosing spondylitis.
  b. pathological fractures.
  c. osteomyelitis.
  d. gout.

[karmakat49]

Answer to Question 1

A, B, D
Feedback:
Reduced hydration, loss of cartilage, and thinning of vertebrae can all contribute to loss of stature. Decreased levels of TH, shortening of long bones, and diet are not noted to contribute to this phenomenon.

Answer to Question 2

B
Immobilization results in bone resorption, and the bone tissue becomes less dense. Prolonged bed rest puts the patient at risk for pathological fracture. This is a serious concern for an older adult in terms of regaining mobility.