A patient has been prescribed a bisphosphonate for treatment of osteoporosis. The nurse evaluates that additional teaching is required if the patient makes which statement?

Question

1. "It will take at least 5 years for the maximum effect of this drug to happen."
2. "If I stop taking this drug, all of the bone density improvement will rapidly disappear."
3. "I still need to eat foods high in calcium."
4. "I should spend 15 to 20 minutes in the sun on most days."
5. "The medication I took to correct my vitamin D deficiency was in preparation for this new treatment."

Answer 1

1,2
Rationale 1: Maximum results of therapy will occur in 2–3 years. Additional teaching is necessary.
Rationale 2: After discontinuation of therapy, bone density will remain increased for up to a year. Additional teaching is necessary.
Rationale 3: The patient must have an adequate intake of calcium. Additional teaching is not necessary.
Rationale 4: Vitamin D level is supported by 15–20 minutes of sun exposure each day. Additional teaching is not necessary.
Rationale 5: Any deficiency in vitamin D should be corrected before therapy is initiated. Additional teaching is not necessary.

Global Rationale: Maximum results of therapy will occur in 2–3 years. Additional teaching is necessary. After discontinuation of therapy, bone density will remain increased for up to a year. Additional teaching is necessary. The patient must have an adequate intake of calcium. Additional teaching is not necessary. Vitamin D level is supported by 15–20 minutes of sun exposure each day. Additional teaching is not necessary. Any deficiency in vitamin D should be corrected before therapy is initiated. Additional teaching is not necessary.