Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

Osteoporosis This condition causes the bones to lose their structure. The cause of this condition is not known, but may have contributing factors including genetics, calcium loss, hyperthyroidism, poor diet, renal disease, and steroid use. The bones become brittle and are more subject to breaks. It is more common in women than men and children. It mostly affects the bones in the wrists, spine, and hips. Breastfeeding, steroids, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, tetracycline, and heparin are all drugs that can increase the chances of bone loss. Postmenopausal women experience extreme pain from the condition, especially if they breastfed their babies. Osteoporosis may have a genetic link in themarker that helps the body use vitamin D, or the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR). People with this gene have certain risk factors, such as advanced age, estrogen deficiency, smoking, drinking, and thin stature. Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis: • Pain • Muscle spasms • Kyphosis/hump back/dowagers hump • Reduced height • Decreased movement in the spine • Compression fractures Nursing assessment for osteoporosis: • Always check patient’s height every visit and log inchart • Inquire about family history, medication use, lifestyle factors, and diet • Use pain scale and ask about location of pain • Review radiology and laboratory reports: o DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan: This can scan the bone to detect subtle changes in bone loss o CT scan/x-rays: X-rays can show degenerative processes near the joint areas like the spine and hips o Bone density: This test can measure actual bone mass o Serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium: Low levels of these minerals contribute to bone loss o Parathyroid hormone: This hormone released from the parathyroid glands assists in regulating calcium levels in the body; certain patients may develop secondary osteoporosis due to dysfunction of the parathyroid glands; renal disease and thyroid disease Nursing diagnosis for osteoporosis: • Impaired mobility related to deformity, pain, and muscle spasms • Risk for injury related to brittle bones, secondary to bone loss and low calcium absorption • Risk for ineffective management of medications and treatment plan

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