The nurse is preparing to teach an older adult woman strategies to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. What will the nurse include as part of her teaching plan? Select all that apply

Question

a. Begin a daily walking plan
b. Begin to take supplemental hormones
c. Avoid cigarette smoking
d. Increase calcium in the diet

Answer 1

A, C, D
The risk for osteoporosis increases with age and is much greater for women, in part because of their decreased bone density compared with men, hormonal changes at menopause, and inadequate calcium intake. Cigarette smoking, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, and lack of weight-bearing exercise also increase risk. A plan to reduce risk by including walking, increasing calcium in the diet, and avoiding cigarette smoking can assist in reducing risk. There is some controversy around the use and overuse of hormone supplements and this use is not necessarily recommended.