Question

A client in menopause reports being lactose intolerant. She exercises three times a week, drinks wine one to three times a month, and drinks a cup of coffee daily. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to reduce her risk of developing osteoporosis?

a. Increase weekly exercise
b. Increase calcium intake
c. Decrease wine consumption
d. Decrease coffee consumption

Answer 1

To mitigate the risk of osteoporosis, particularly during menopause, the client should decrease coffee consumption and focus on a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet. Non-dairy calcium sources and regular weight-bearing exercise can help maintain bone mass and strength.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce her risk of developing osteoporosis, the client should consider decreasing her coffee consumption. While coffee may have some protective effects against certain types of cancer, it is also associated with calcium excretion, which could potentially weaken bones. Particularly for a menopausal woman, this is a concern as menopause already contributes to the accelerated loss of bone mass due to reduced estrogen levels. The estrogen hormone promotes osteoblastic activity and the production of bone matrix, thus its decline during menopause makes women more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Additionally, the client should focus on a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen her bones. Foods like Chinese cabbage, kale, broccoli, and fortified non-dairy alternatives can provide the necessary calcium in the absence of lactose-containing products. The client should also maintain her regimen of weight-bearing exercises, as these promote bone health and mass.