Question

Mrs. L is a 63-year-old woman who reports constant back pain. Further inquiry into her medical history revealed that over the past 3 years, she has suffered fractures of her femur and wrist after minor falls. She experienced menopause at age 49. Mrs. L has a secretarial job, drives to work, and she “does not have time for exercise.” She reports that she consumes 8 to 10 cups of coffee a day and has been a smoker most of her adult life. She has not seen her physician recently nor had a recommended bone density test because of the time and cost involved.

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder in which bones lose mass, weaken, and break more easily. Mrs. L's risk factors for osteoporosis, such as age, menopause, and lifestyle choices, could explain her constant back pain and fractures. Preventive measures like a healthy diet, exercise, and regular bone density tests can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder in which bones lose mass, weaken, and break more easily than normal bones. Mrs. L's constant back pain and fractures after minor falls could be indicative of osteoporotic fractures. Her risk factors for osteoporosis include her age, menopause, sedentary lifestyle, high coffee consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise. Preventive measures such as a healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and regular bone density tests are important in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.