Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a 68-year-old female client who complains of back pain and a loss of height over the past few years.
The client states, "I used to be taller, and now my back always hurts." What is the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints?
Kyphosis is the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints. Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that causes a forward rounding of the back. It is commonly associated with osteoporosis in older adults, especially postmenopausal women. As bone density decreases due to osteoporosis, the vertebrae become more susceptible to compression fractures, which can lead to the characteristic hunched posture seen in kyphosis. This abnormal curvature can cause back pain and a noticeable loss of height, aligning with the client's complaints.
Joint stiffness is less likely to be the primary finding in this case. While osteoporosis can lead to joint discomfort and stiffness, it is not the primary cause of the client's symptoms. The client's complaint of back pain and loss of height is more indicative of a spinal issue such as kyphosis.
Muscle weakness is also less likely to be the primary finding in this case. While muscle weakness can contribute to posture changes and back pain, it is often a secondary effect of conditions like osteoporosis. The client's primary concern is the change in height and persistent back pain, which are better explained by kyphosis.
Decreased appetite is unrelated to the client's musculoskeletal complaints. It is not a typical symptom of osteoporosis or kyphosis. Therefore, it is not the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints.
Choice A rationale:
Kyphosis is the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints.
Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that causes a forward rounding of the back.
It is commonly associated with osteoporosis in older adults, especially postmenopausal women.
As bone density decreases due to osteoporosis, the vertebrae become more susceptible to compression fractures, which can lead to the characteristic hunched posture seen in kyphosis.
This abnormal curvature can cause back pain and a noticeable loss of height, aligning with the client's complaints.
Choice B rationale:
Joint stiffness is less likely to be the primary finding in this case.
While osteoporosis can lead to joint discomfort and stiffness, it is not the primary cause of the client's symptoms.
The client's complaint of back pain and loss of height is more indicative of a spinal issue such as kyphosis.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle weakness is also less likely to be the primary finding in this case.
While muscle weakness can contribute to posture changes and back pain, it is often a secondary effect of conditions like osteoporosis.
The client's primary concern is the change in height and persistent back pain, which are better explained by kyphosis.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased appetite is unrelated to the client's musculoskeletal complaints.
It is not a typical symptom of osteoporosis or kyphosis.
Therefore, it is not the most likely nursing assessment finding consistent with the client's complaints.