A&P Case Study Module 3

Alyssa is a 74-year-old female patient who presents to her primary care provider for a routine physical. She states that she feels “quite healthy” and has no complaints other than mild back pain. She has a family history of various cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis, so she knows that it is important to stay active and keep up with screenings and annual physical exams. Alyssa’s provider finds that she has lost 10 pounds since last year’s exam. She is almost a full inch shorter, as well. Alyssa’s provider suspects that she may have osteoporosis. Which other two factors would support that other diagnosis? Taking calcium supplements and intense daily exercise Family history of cancer and obesity Weight loss and history of surgery A history of smoking and being post-menopausal QUESTION 2 Explain, in your own words, how Alyssa’s loss of height could be related to her possible osteoporosis diagnosis. When a person has osteoporosis, they typically do not have any signs or symptoms until a fracture happens. Over time, the bones in someone that has osteoporosis start to deteriorate due to losing bone density faster than it can be replaced. In result, individuals tend to become shorter over time and have more frequent bone fractures (Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). Reference QUESTION 3 Alyssa’s provider orders a DEXA scan. Which of the following T-score outcomes would indicate a diagnosis of osteoporosis? -1.4 +1.2 -2.6 0 QUESTION 4 Why might Alyssa’s provider ask her about her diet? Provide two reasons and explain how they are related to osteoporosis. One reason Alyssa’s provider may ask her about her diet is because, a balanced diet is very much connected to bone growth as well as overall health. Making sure that you are getting enough Vitamin D and Calcium in your diet throughout the day is extremely important in maintaining your bone health which will keep the osteoporosis at bay (International Osteoporosis Foundation,