OSTEOPOROSIS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1) The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client. Which question should the nurse
ask to assess for signs of osteoporosis?
A) "Have you experienced any palpitations?"
B) "Are you having any low back pain?"
C) "Are you having problems with swelling in your feet?"
D) "Is constipation a problem for you?" - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A client with osteoporosis will often present with low back pain as well as a
decrease in height. Palpitations, constipation, and swelling are not early signs of
osteoporosis.
2) A nurse is conducting a health history on an older adult client. Which assessment
finding indicates the client is at risk for osteoporosis?
A) Having a body mass index (BMI) that indicates obesity
B) Using glucocorticoids for 10 years because of a chronic lung disorder
C) Eating three to five servings of shrimp and liver per week
D) Drinking three glasses of skim milk daily - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A) Long-time use of corticosteroids is a risk factor for developing
osteoporosis. Obesity is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. Skim milk is a good source of
calcium and vitamin D, which prevents or slows osteoporosis. A diet rich in shellfish and
organ meats is high in purine, which may predispose the client to gout.
3) The nurse is planning care for a female adult client who is high-risk for developing
osteoporosis. Which interventions will decrease the client's risk of developing this health
problem? Select all that apply.
A) Increasing the intake of alcoholic beverages
B) Isometric exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week
C) Weight-bearing exercises such as walking
D) Having a yearly dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test
E) A diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D - Answers -Answer: C, E
Explanation: A) Interventions that may decrease this client's risk of developing
osteoporosis include regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, as this activity
slows bone loss. Other intervention include encouraging clients to consume adequate
amounts of calcium and vitamin D in their diets to prevent osteoporotic fracture. A
DEXA test measures bone density, but it does not decrease the client's risk for
developing osteoporosis. Measures to prevent or treat osteoporosis include limiting the
intake of beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, and phosphorus. Isometric exercises
are not effective against osteoporosis.
4) The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body
Requirements as appropriate for a client with osteoporosis. Which client statement
indicated to the nurse that this nursing diagnosis was appropriate?
A) "I like to remove all of the fat from the meat I eat."
B) "I am trying to eat a low-carb diet."
,C) "I plan to start eating out less."
D) "I am allergic to dairy products." - Answers -Answer: D
Explanation: A) The client who is allergic to dairy products may not take in much
calcium, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, so focusing on diet would be a priority
for this client. The statements about removing fat, eating a low-carb diet, and eating out
less are healthy changes for many individuals that help reduce calorie intake, but they
would not address one of the root causes of osteoporosis, deficient calcium intake.
5) A client who is at risk for developing osteoporosis asks what can be done to
decrease the risk of actually developing the disease. Which intervention would be the
most beneficial for this client?
A) Decreasing the amount of calcium in the client's diet
B) Providing the client with assisted range of motion exercising twice daily
C) Increasing regular weight-bearing activities
D) Protecting the client's bones with strict bedrest - Answers -Answer: C
Explanation: A) A standard intervention for those attempting to prevent osteoporosis is
beginning an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities. Strict bedrest,
decreasing calcium intake, and assisted range of motion exercises may make the
osteoporosis worse.
6) An adult client who resides in a long-term care facility is diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The client has a history of falls and dementia. Which nursing intervention will best aid in
meeting an outcome goal of injury prevention for this client?
A) Using furniture as obstacles to keep the client in the bed
B) Keeping the bed in the lowest position
C) Keeping a nightlight on in the hallway
D) The use of wrist restraints - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A) Keeping the bed in the lowest position will reduce the incidence of injury
should the client attempt to get up. The use of restraints could increase the incidence of
injury. Using the furniture as an obstacle could cause injury if the client is able to get up.
In a long-term care facility, a nightlight should be provided in the room so the client can
see to use the restroom.
7) The nurse is providing teaching to a young adult who is at risk for early-onset
osteoporosis. Which intervention should the nurse suggest?
A) The client should stop all physical activity.
B) The client should reduce the intake of dairy in the diet.
C) The client should increase intake of calcium and vitamin D.
D) The client should start estrogen replacement therapy. - Answers -Answer: C
Explanation: A) An appropriate goal for this client is a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Walking and weight-bearing exercise help prevent osteoporosis, so the client should not
stop all physical activity. Dairy is rich in calcium, so reducing intake of dairy is not
recommended. Due to the client's age, it is not likely that the client needs estrogen
replacement therapy at this time.
, 8) A postmenopausal adult client is concerned about the development of osteoporosis
and wants to begin preventative activities. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
A) "You should first determine if you are at risk for the development of osteoporosis."
B) "After menopause, the decline is too rapid to begin preventative interventions."
C) "Weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplements are helpful in the prevention of
osteoporosis."
D) "Hormone replacement therapy should be initiated as soon as possible." - Answers -
Answer: C
Explanation: A) Osteoporosis risk factors increase after menopause. Preventative
activities include implementing weight-bearing exercise and beginning calcium
supplements. It is not too late to begin prevention activities. Without additional
information, it is not possible to determine if the client is a candidate for hormone
replacement therapy. The client in the scenario has two risk factors presented. Although
a full analysis would be beneficial, it does not answer the client's request for information.
9) The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is taking calcium for the treatment of
osteoporosis. Which statements will the nurse include when educating the client about
this medication? Select all that apply.
A) "The most common adverse effect is hypercalcemia caused by taking too much of
the supplement."
B) "Oral calcium supplements are best taken on an empty stomach."
C) "Adults 50 years of age and over should obtain at least 500 to 750 mg per day of
elemental calcium."
D) "If you have a condition called ventricular fibrillation, this medication might help."
E) "Report symptoms of weakness, increased urination, and thirst." - Answers -Answer:
A, E
Explanation: A) Calcium gluconate and other calcium compounds are used to treat and
prevent osteoporosis. Oral calcium supplements are best taken with meals or within 1
hour following meals. It is recommended that adults 50 years of age and over obtain at
least 1000 to 1200 mg per day of elemental calcium. The most common adverse effect
is hypercalcemia caused by taking too much of the supplement. Symptoms include
lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, headache, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, increased
urination, and thirst. Calcium supplementation is contraindicated in clients with
ventricular fibrillation.
10) A nurse is educating a group of adults about the risks for osteoporosis. Which
statements will the nurse include when discussing the use of alcohol and cigarettes?
Select all that apply.
A) "Smoking decreases nerve supply to the bones."
B) "Nicotine increases calcium absorption, leading to decreased bone density."
C) "Moderate alcohol consumption in postmenopausal women actually may increase
bone mineral content."
D) "Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on osteoclast activity, suppressing bone formation."
E) "Heavy alcohol use may be associated with nutritional deficiencies that contribute to
osteoporosis." - Answers -Answer: C, E
1) The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client. Which question should the nurse
ask to assess for signs of osteoporosis?
A) "Have you experienced any palpitations?"
B) "Are you having any low back pain?"
C) "Are you having problems with swelling in your feet?"
D) "Is constipation a problem for you?" - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A client with osteoporosis will often present with low back pain as well as a
decrease in height. Palpitations, constipation, and swelling are not early signs of
osteoporosis.
2) A nurse is conducting a health history on an older adult client. Which assessment
finding indicates the client is at risk for osteoporosis?
A) Having a body mass index (BMI) that indicates obesity
B) Using glucocorticoids for 10 years because of a chronic lung disorder
C) Eating three to five servings of shrimp and liver per week
D) Drinking three glasses of skim milk daily - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A) Long-time use of corticosteroids is a risk factor for developing
osteoporosis. Obesity is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. Skim milk is a good source of
calcium and vitamin D, which prevents or slows osteoporosis. A diet rich in shellfish and
organ meats is high in purine, which may predispose the client to gout.
3) The nurse is planning care for a female adult client who is high-risk for developing
osteoporosis. Which interventions will decrease the client's risk of developing this health
problem? Select all that apply.
A) Increasing the intake of alcoholic beverages
B) Isometric exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week
C) Weight-bearing exercises such as walking
D) Having a yearly dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test
E) A diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D - Answers -Answer: C, E
Explanation: A) Interventions that may decrease this client's risk of developing
osteoporosis include regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, as this activity
slows bone loss. Other intervention include encouraging clients to consume adequate
amounts of calcium and vitamin D in their diets to prevent osteoporotic fracture. A
DEXA test measures bone density, but it does not decrease the client's risk for
developing osteoporosis. Measures to prevent or treat osteoporosis include limiting the
intake of beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, and phosphorus. Isometric exercises
are not effective against osteoporosis.
4) The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body
Requirements as appropriate for a client with osteoporosis. Which client statement
indicated to the nurse that this nursing diagnosis was appropriate?
A) "I like to remove all of the fat from the meat I eat."
B) "I am trying to eat a low-carb diet."
,C) "I plan to start eating out less."
D) "I am allergic to dairy products." - Answers -Answer: D
Explanation: A) The client who is allergic to dairy products may not take in much
calcium, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, so focusing on diet would be a priority
for this client. The statements about removing fat, eating a low-carb diet, and eating out
less are healthy changes for many individuals that help reduce calorie intake, but they
would not address one of the root causes of osteoporosis, deficient calcium intake.
5) A client who is at risk for developing osteoporosis asks what can be done to
decrease the risk of actually developing the disease. Which intervention would be the
most beneficial for this client?
A) Decreasing the amount of calcium in the client's diet
B) Providing the client with assisted range of motion exercising twice daily
C) Increasing regular weight-bearing activities
D) Protecting the client's bones with strict bedrest - Answers -Answer: C
Explanation: A) A standard intervention for those attempting to prevent osteoporosis is
beginning an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities. Strict bedrest,
decreasing calcium intake, and assisted range of motion exercises may make the
osteoporosis worse.
6) An adult client who resides in a long-term care facility is diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The client has a history of falls and dementia. Which nursing intervention will best aid in
meeting an outcome goal of injury prevention for this client?
A) Using furniture as obstacles to keep the client in the bed
B) Keeping the bed in the lowest position
C) Keeping a nightlight on in the hallway
D) The use of wrist restraints - Answers -Answer: B
Explanation: A) Keeping the bed in the lowest position will reduce the incidence of injury
should the client attempt to get up. The use of restraints could increase the incidence of
injury. Using the furniture as an obstacle could cause injury if the client is able to get up.
In a long-term care facility, a nightlight should be provided in the room so the client can
see to use the restroom.
7) The nurse is providing teaching to a young adult who is at risk for early-onset
osteoporosis. Which intervention should the nurse suggest?
A) The client should stop all physical activity.
B) The client should reduce the intake of dairy in the diet.
C) The client should increase intake of calcium and vitamin D.
D) The client should start estrogen replacement therapy. - Answers -Answer: C
Explanation: A) An appropriate goal for this client is a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Walking and weight-bearing exercise help prevent osteoporosis, so the client should not
stop all physical activity. Dairy is rich in calcium, so reducing intake of dairy is not
recommended. Due to the client's age, it is not likely that the client needs estrogen
replacement therapy at this time.
, 8) A postmenopausal adult client is concerned about the development of osteoporosis
and wants to begin preventative activities. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
A) "You should first determine if you are at risk for the development of osteoporosis."
B) "After menopause, the decline is too rapid to begin preventative interventions."
C) "Weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplements are helpful in the prevention of
osteoporosis."
D) "Hormone replacement therapy should be initiated as soon as possible." - Answers -
Answer: C
Explanation: A) Osteoporosis risk factors increase after menopause. Preventative
activities include implementing weight-bearing exercise and beginning calcium
supplements. It is not too late to begin prevention activities. Without additional
information, it is not possible to determine if the client is a candidate for hormone
replacement therapy. The client in the scenario has two risk factors presented. Although
a full analysis would be beneficial, it does not answer the client's request for information.
9) The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is taking calcium for the treatment of
osteoporosis. Which statements will the nurse include when educating the client about
this medication? Select all that apply.
A) "The most common adverse effect is hypercalcemia caused by taking too much of
the supplement."
B) "Oral calcium supplements are best taken on an empty stomach."
C) "Adults 50 years of age and over should obtain at least 500 to 750 mg per day of
elemental calcium."
D) "If you have a condition called ventricular fibrillation, this medication might help."
E) "Report symptoms of weakness, increased urination, and thirst." - Answers -Answer:
A, E
Explanation: A) Calcium gluconate and other calcium compounds are used to treat and
prevent osteoporosis. Oral calcium supplements are best taken with meals or within 1
hour following meals. It is recommended that adults 50 years of age and over obtain at
least 1000 to 1200 mg per day of elemental calcium. The most common adverse effect
is hypercalcemia caused by taking too much of the supplement. Symptoms include
lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, headache, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, increased
urination, and thirst. Calcium supplementation is contraindicated in clients with
ventricular fibrillation.
10) A nurse is educating a group of adults about the risks for osteoporosis. Which
statements will the nurse include when discussing the use of alcohol and cigarettes?
Select all that apply.
A) "Smoking decreases nerve supply to the bones."
B) "Nicotine increases calcium absorption, leading to decreased bone density."
C) "Moderate alcohol consumption in postmenopausal women actually may increase
bone mineral content."
D) "Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on osteoclast activity, suppressing bone formation."
E) "Heavy alcohol use may be associated with nutritional deficiencies that contribute to
osteoporosis." - Answers -Answer: C, E
