Musculoskeletal

Which medication directly inhibits osteoclasts, thereby reducing bone loss and increasing bone mass density (BMD)?

Calcitonin Calcitonin directly inhibits osteoclasts, thereby reducing bone loss and increased BMD. Raloxifene reduces the risk of osteoporosis by preserving BMD without estrogenic effects on the uterus. Teriparatide has been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium.

A nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology that may underlie a client's decreased bone density. What hormone should the nurse identify as inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation?

Calcitonin Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation, estrogen inhibits bone breakdown, and parathyroid increases bone resorption. Estrogen, which inhibits bone breakdown, decreases with aging. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases with aging, increasing bone turnover and resorption. Progesterone is the major naturally occurring human progestogen and plays a role in the female menstrual cycle.

An older adult woman's current medication regimen includes alendronate. What outcome would indicate successful therapy?

Increased bone mass Bisphosphonates such as alendronate increase bone mass and decrease bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast function. These drugs do not treat infection, pain, or tumors.

A client presents at a clinic reporting back pain that goes all the way down the back of the leg to the foot. The nurse should document the presence of what type of pain?

Sciatica Sciatica nerve pain travels down the back of the thigh to the foot of the affected leg. Bursitis is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in a joint. Radiculopathy is disease of a nerve root. Tendonitis is inflammation of muscle tendons.

When teaching a client how to prevent low back pain as a result of lifting, the nurse should instruct the client to:

avoid overreaching. Instructions for the client with low back pain should include that, when lifting, the client should avoid overreaching. The client should also keep the load close to the body, bend the knees and tighten the abdominal muscles, use a wide base of support, and use a back brace to protect the back.