Question

A nurse is teaching a client about measures to reduce the risk of osteomalacia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

1) Increase exposure to sunlight
2) Limit intake of vitamin D-rich foods
3) Avoid weight-bearing exercises
4) Decrease consumption of calcium-rich foods

Answer 1

To reduce the risk of osteomalacia, the nurse should advise the client to increase exposure to sunlight for vitamin D production, consume vitamin D and calcium-rich foods, and engage in weight-bearing exercises.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce the risk of osteomalacia, which is a condition characterized by the softening of the bones, it is important to follow certain lifestyle and dietary measures. The nurse should include the following instructions in the teaching:

1. Increase exposure to sunlight: Sun exposure stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin, which is essential for bone health.
2. Eat a diet rich in vitamin D: This includes fatty fish like salmon and tuna, fortified milk or cereal, or supplements if necessary.
3. Engage in weight-bearing exercises: Activities like weight training, dancing, stair climbing, running, and hiking help to stress the bones, which stimulates bone building and strengthens them.
4. Increase consumption of calcium-rich foods: Including dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as plant-based sources like Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli.

As for the options presented in the question, the nurse should advise the client to increase exposure to sunlight (1) and not to limit intake of vitamin D-rich foods or avoid weight-bearing exercises (2 and 3). Decreasing consumption of calcium-rich foods (4) would be detrimental and should not be recommended.