Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide • Imbalanced nutrition due to less mineral intake than body requirements Nursing interventions for osteoporosis: • Stress the importance of proper calcium intake in diet • Give medications per MD order: o Calcium: First line supplement for mild bone loss. Usually given twice daily with vitamin D. Have patient take carbonate with food for better absorption. Citrate can be taken any time. o Vitamin D: Supplement that helps calcium absorption. o Estrogen replacement therapy: This decreases the rate of bone resorption and bone loss in the body. o Bisphosphonates: Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Didronel, Aredia, Bonefos, and Skelid are taken once monthly and inhibit bone resorption. Fosamax must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This medication must be taken with a full cup of water; the patient may not lie back down or eat for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. o Analgesics: Pain medications may be used for pain as needed per MD order. • Teach patient to use caution, safety measures, and care with ambulation. Teach use of assistive devices if necessary. • Explain to patient that main side effect of calcium supplementation is constipation. Encourage a high fiber diet and increased fluids. • Refer to physical therapy for muscle strengthening. Expected outcomes for osteoporosis: • Patient remains free from injury • Demonstrates compliance with medications, treatment plan, and diet • Verbalizes an understanding of the disease process, safety, and need for exercise • Maintains normal bowel movements Scoliosis This is an actual deformity of the spine in children. Certain health conditions, like malformation during the fetal period or compensation, cause the spine to curve into a C or S shape. It shows up in early adolescence when a child goes through growth spurts. A normal child will have a 10 degree or less curvature in the spine; anything more is not normal. If the curvature is severe enough, there could be respiratory problems or cardiac issues involved. Adolescents are usually screened for scoliosis in junior high school between 10-14 years of age. Often times school nurses do the screenings. It is important to understand the different types of scoliosis in

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