A patient is diagnosed with Paget disease. What should the nurse expect to assess in this patient?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. pain and aching in the spine at night that is aggravated by pressure
2. flushing of the skin over the spine
3. previous pathologic fractures to the vertebra
4. elevated phosphorus levels
5. scoliosis

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Most patients that are affected by Paget disease are symptom free for years, and the disease may be seen on an incidental x-ray. The pain is described as a mild to moderate deep ache that is aggravated by pressure and weight bearing. It is more noticeable at night or at rest. Because of the increase in blood flow to pagetic bone, flushing and warmth of the overlying skin may be apparent. Pathologic fractures from the loss of bone structure are a complication of Paget disease. Hypercalcemia, not hyperphosphatemia, is found during laboratory analyzing. Lordosis, not scoliosis, is observed in those with Paget disease.