Question

A patient has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and asks the nurse, "What is osteoporosis?" The nurse explains that osteoporosis is defined as:

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder where decreased bone density results in fragile bones. It is diagnosed by bone density measurements and involves an imbalance of bone resorption and formation, with increased activity of osteoclasts over osteoblasts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to bones that are weak and brittle. This condition often occurs in older adults due to an imbalance where the rate of bone resorption (breakdown) exceeds the rate of bone formation. Our bones continuously undergo a process of breakdown and renewal, but during aging, this balance is disrupted, making bones more susceptible to fractures. Fractures are the most concerning outcome of osteoporosis, as they can lead to severe complications, and although the disease is rarely fatal, complications from fractures often are.

Diagnosis of osteoporosis involves measuring a patient's bone density and comparing it with that of a young, healthy adult at peak bone density. Factors contributing to bone thinning include hormonal changes, certain diseases, and medications. Important cells involved in the development of osteoporosis are osteoclasts, which break down bone, and osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. In osteoporosis, osteoclasts are more active, resulting in the weakening of bones.