The nurse is providing care to an older adult client who was recently diagnosed with early osteoporosis. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement with this client?

Question

A) Providing the client with assisted range of motion exercising twice daily
B) Instituting an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities
C) Protecting the client's bones with strict bed rest
D) Increasing the amount of calcium in the client's diet

Answer 1

Answer: B
Osteoporosis is a demineralization of the bone in which calcium leaves the bone matrix. One causative factor is lack of weight-bearing activity. Weight bearing helps to move calcium back into the bone, thereby strengthening it. A standard intervention for those attempting to prevent or reverse osteoporosis is beginning an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities. Additional calcium in the diet after osteoporosis has begun is not thought to be effective. Strict bed rest may well make the osteoporosis worse because there is no weight-bearing activity. Assisted range of motion exercises are not weight bearing and do not help delay or reverse osteoporosis.