Author Question: A patient has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and asks the nurse, What is osteoporosis? The nurse ... (Read 82 times)

pepyto · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and asks the nurse, What is osteoporosis? The nurse explains that osteoporosis is defined as:

a. Increased bone matrix.
b. Loss of bone density.
c. New, weaker bone growth.
d. Increased phagocytic activity.

Question 2

An 85-year-old patient comments during his annual physical examination that he seems to be getting shorter as he ages. The nurse should explain that decreased height occurs with aging because:

a. Long bones tend to shorten with age.
b. The vertebral column shortens.
c. A significant loss of subcutaneous fat occurs.
d. A thickening of the intervertebral disks develops.

daiying98 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
After age 40 years, a loss of bone matrix (resorption) occurs more rapidly than new bone formation. The net effect is a gradual loss of bone density, or osteoporosis. The other options are not correct.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Postural changes are evident with aging; decreased height is most noticeable and is due to shortening of the vertebral column. Long bones do not shorten with age. Intervertebral disks actually get thinner with age. Subcutaneous fat is not lost but is redistributed to the abdomen and hips.