Question

Explain the risk factors for osteoporosis. What can a nurse do to help manage this health condition to restore the patient to optimal health?

Answer 1

ANSWER.

* Risk factors for osteoporosis.

           * Low calcium diet.

                 Calcium is an important mineral required for formation of bone

                 cells and maintain normal bone health.so calcium deficiency results

                 in osteoporosis.

           * Lack of physical activity.

                  Inadequate exercises or continuous immobility leads to loss of bone mass

                  or density which leads to osteoporosis.

          * Vitamin D deficiency.

                  Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and development,so people who get

                  inadequate amount of vitamin D is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

          * Overconsumption of alcohol and caffeine containing products.

                 Both alcohol and caffeine products are negatively affect the bone health and

                 increases the risk for osteoporosis.

          * Smoking.

                Prolonged smoking results in production of free radicals which damages the bone

                growth.

          * Post menopausal women.

                Estrogen is a hormone helps to maintain adequate bone mass and in postmenopausal

                stage women estrogen level in the body decreases progressively results in increased

                risk for osteoporosis.

Nursing management.

         * Encourage the patient to take a balanced diet which includes adequate calcium

           and vitamin D.

         * Instruct the patient for expose to midday sunlight to get enough Vitamin D.

         * Instruct the patient to do regular exercises to maintain adequate bone mass.

         * Avoid bad habits like overconsumption of alcohol and caffieine products.

         * Estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women as per physicians

            order to maintain bone mass.