A patient is seen in the clinic for chronic low blood calcium. ...

[Garrulous]

A patient is seen in the clinic for chronic low blood calcium. What effect will this have on bone health?
 
  1. Bone resorption will be triggered in order to increase serum calcium levels.
  2. Bone production will occur in order to help increase the blood calcium.
  3. Bones will not be affected because the calcium is low in the blood.
  4. Bones will pull the needed calcium from other body structures.

Question 2

The patient is ordered to be on bed rest for two months. The nurse realizes that the patient's bones will
 
  1. not be affected by the bed rest.
  2. undergo increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption.
  3. increase their osteoblastic activity to promote ossification.
  4. be affected positively by the rest and be stronger as a result.

[wergv]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
When blood levels of calcium decrease, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released. PTH then stimulates osteoclast activity and bone resorption so that calcium is released from the bone matrix. As a result, blood levels of calcium rise, and the stimulus for PTH release ends. Bone production does not occur to increase low blood calcium levels. Bones will be affected to address the body's need for calcium. There are no other body structures that have adequate amounts of calcium to increase serum levels.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Bones that are not in use for a prolonged time promote bone resorption or bone loss. Bones that are inactive undergo increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption. Bones that are in use and subjected to stress will increase their osteoblastic activity and develop bone ossification.