Final answer:
To maintain safety and prevent falls at home, an older adult patient with osteoporosis should install a grab rail in the bath and shower and by the toilet. Additional safety measures include removing tripping hazards, ensuring a diet rich in vitamin D, and exercising carefully to maintain bone density.
Step-by-step explanation:
An older adult patient with osteoporosis is at risk for falls, and to maintain safety in the home, it is advisable to take various measures. Among the options provided, the correct advice would be to install a grab rail in the bath and shower and by the toilet. This addition can substantially reduce the risk of falling by providing stable support in areas where slips are likely to occur. In contrast, removing rubber mats from the shower, avoiding rubber-soled shoes, and avoiding exercise can actually increase the risk of slips or overall bone weakening due to lack of physical activity.
Furthermore, it's important for patients with osteoporosis to remove obstacles and loose carpets that might cause tripping, maintain a nutritious diet with adequate vitamin D, and manage their condition with appropriate treatments such as bisphosphonates, calcitonin, or estrogen. Regular weight-bearing exercises, while done carefully, can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis can lead to severe complications from fractures, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, primarily due to the immobility associated with healing. Therefore, preventing falls and fractures is critical for this population to avoid potentially life-threatening outcomes.