The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with early osteoporosis. Which intervention is most applicable for this client?

Question

1. Institute an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities.
2. Increase the amount of calcium in the client's diet.
3. Protect the client's bones with strict bed rest.
4. Provide the client with assisted range-of-motion exercising twice daily.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: 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 bones, thereby strengthening them. A standard intervention for those attempting to prevent or reverse osteoporosis is beginning an exercise plan that includes weight-bearing activities.
Rationale 2: Additional calcium in the diet after osteoporosis has begun is not thought to be effective.
Rationale 3: Strict bed rest may well make the osteoporosis worse because there is no weight-bearing activity.
Rationale 4: Assisted range-of-motion exercises are not weight-bearing activities and do not help delay or reverse osteoporosis.