Final answer:
Loretta's concern about her osteoporosis is valid, as it dramatically increases her risk for hip fractures, which can lead to severe complications and are a direct result of weakened bone structure from the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Loretta, age 77, is very concerned about her diagnosis of osteoporosis, a condition that is a leading cause of hip fractures among the elderly. Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, leading to brittle bones which can fracture easily. Factors contributing to the likelihood of osteoporotic fractures include advanced age, hormonal changes, such as reduced estrogen production post-menopause, and decreased calcium and vitamin D intake.
These fractures can result in debilitating pain, loss of mobility, and possibly require invasive surgery to address. They also increase the risk of other serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, which can be fatal. It is most commonly the weakened bones that fracture spontaneously or from minor stress, potentially even causing a fall, not necessarily the other way around.