Final answer:
The nurse should include postmenopausal status as a risk factor for osteoporosis when developing an education program for older adult clients. Estrogen decline post-menopause significantly increases the risk for decreased bone density (option d).
Step-by-step explanation:
When developing an education program about osteoporosis for older adult clients, it is essential to include various risk factors that can impact the likelihood of developing this bone condition. One significant risk factor to highlight is postmenopausal status. After menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen levels, which is crucial for maintaining bone density, consequently increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Common risk factors for osteoporosis also encompass older age, family history, and genetic predispositions, while controllable behaviors such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, consuming a calcium-rich diet, and engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise help prevent the condition.
Unlike these preventive measures, a high body mass index (BMI), if it means excessive obesity, can in fact be a risk factor as it may indicate a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutritional habits, though it's typically noted that increased body weight can be somewhat protective of bone mass due to the mechanical load.
Hence, the answer is option d.