Comprehensive High-Yield Nursing Review of Bone
and Joint Disorders: Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout – Pathophysiology,
Cellular Mechanisms, Skeletal Aging, Risk Factors,
Diagnostic Assessment, Pharmacologic and Non-
Pharmacologic Interventions, Adverse Effects,
Laboratory and Radiologic Interpretation, Lifestyle
Considerations, and Priority Nursing Management
for Optimal Patient Outcomes Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
An elderly woman is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which cells would be most active in her
bones?
a. Osteocytes
b. Osteoblasts
c. Osteoclasts
d. Lacunae
c. Osteoclasts
Osteoclasts are the cells that resorb or break down bone and subsequently cause osteoporosis.
Osteocytes are osteoblasts that became entrapped in the osteoid and become relatively
nonfunctional. Osteoblasts are the cells that form bone. Lacunae are the spaces in hardened
bone where osteocytes are located.
A 70-year-old female presents with a hip fracture secondary to osteoporosis. This condition is
caused by an increase in bone:
a.density.
b.formation.
c.resorption.
, d.mineralization.
ANS: C
In osteoporosis, old bone is being resorbed faster than new bone is being made, causing the
bones to lose density, becoming thinner, and more porous. Mineralization is not increased by
osteoporosis
When a 70-year-old female presents with a hip fracture she is diagnosed with osteoporosis. One
factor that most likely contributed to her condition is:
a.increased androgen levels.
b.decreased estrogen levels.
c.strenuous exercise.
d.excessive dietary calcium.
ANS: B
Osteoporosis can be attributed to decreased estrogen levels. Osteoporosis is not attributed to
increased androgen levels, excessive exercise, or excessive dietary calcium.
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is characterized by loss of:
a.the epiphyses.
b.articular cartilage.
c.synovial fluid.
d.the joint capsule.
ANS: B
Osteoarthritis is caused by loss of the articular cartilage. It is not associated with the epiphyses
of bones, synovial fluid, or the joint capsule.
Researchers now believe that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a result of:
a.an ineffective antiviral agent.
and Joint Disorders: Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout – Pathophysiology,
Cellular Mechanisms, Skeletal Aging, Risk Factors,
Diagnostic Assessment, Pharmacologic and Non-
Pharmacologic Interventions, Adverse Effects,
Laboratory and Radiologic Interpretation, Lifestyle
Considerations, and Priority Nursing Management
for Optimal Patient Outcomes Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
An elderly woman is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which cells would be most active in her
bones?
a. Osteocytes
b. Osteoblasts
c. Osteoclasts
d. Lacunae
c. Osteoclasts
Osteoclasts are the cells that resorb or break down bone and subsequently cause osteoporosis.
Osteocytes are osteoblasts that became entrapped in the osteoid and become relatively
nonfunctional. Osteoblasts are the cells that form bone. Lacunae are the spaces in hardened
bone where osteocytes are located.
A 70-year-old female presents with a hip fracture secondary to osteoporosis. This condition is
caused by an increase in bone:
a.density.
b.formation.
c.resorption.
, d.mineralization.
ANS: C
In osteoporosis, old bone is being resorbed faster than new bone is being made, causing the
bones to lose density, becoming thinner, and more porous. Mineralization is not increased by
osteoporosis
When a 70-year-old female presents with a hip fracture she is diagnosed with osteoporosis. One
factor that most likely contributed to her condition is:
a.increased androgen levels.
b.decreased estrogen levels.
c.strenuous exercise.
d.excessive dietary calcium.
ANS: B
Osteoporosis can be attributed to decreased estrogen levels. Osteoporosis is not attributed to
increased androgen levels, excessive exercise, or excessive dietary calcium.
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is characterized by loss of:
a.the epiphyses.
b.articular cartilage.
c.synovial fluid.
d.the joint capsule.
ANS: B
Osteoarthritis is caused by loss of the articular cartilage. It is not associated with the epiphyses
of bones, synovial fluid, or the joint capsule.
Researchers now believe that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a result of:
a.an ineffective antiviral agent.
