While evaluating a patient for osteoporosis, the nurse should be aware of what risk factor?

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Open access

Abstract

A previous systematic review on osteoporosis knowledge published showed that only several studies investigated osteoporosis knowledge in health professionals, and it found that their knowledge was not as adequate and sufficient as it should be. Since then, studies published on osteoporosis knowledge among health professionals have also assessed and found that they still do not have adequate and sufficient osteoporosis knowledge. To increase and improve osteoporosis knowledge among health professionals, recommendations in osteoporosis education in the health professions, including the application of the cognitive load theory, online learning, problem-based learning, practical learning, simulation-based learning, interactive learning, and feedback are covered in order to ensure health professionals can have adequate and sufficient osteoporosis knowledge to best prevent and treat individuals with the disease.

Keywords

Osteoporosis

Knowledge

Education

Health professions

© 2016 The Korean Society of Osteoporosis. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.

Digital Edition: Osteoporosis: risk assessment, management and prevention

01 February, 2019

This article offers a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis and the role of nurses in its diagnosis and management. It comes with a self-assessment enabling you to test your knowledge after reading it

Abstract
Osteoporosis can have devastating effects, yet awareness of the condition remains low; many people do not know that men can have it as well as women. Although it is not harmful in itself, osteoporosis weakens bones and therefore commonly causes fragility fractures. These can be the first of a series of fractures and lead to a downward spiral of deterioration and loss of independence. This article provides a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis, its definition, why it can be a burden, and how diagnosis, assessment and management can be performed. Early diagnosis and prevention strategies can improve bone health and reduce fracture risk. Fracture liaison services, where they exist, are a recognised resource to systematically identify, assess, treat and refer patients.

Citation: Ashcroft-Hands R (2019) Osteoporosis: risk assessment, management and prevention. Nursing Times [online]; 115: 2, 30-34.

Author: Rachel Ashcroft-Hands is osteoporosis specialist nurse, National Osteoporosis Society.
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
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Healthy Aging: Article 4 of 11

Contributor Meryl S. LeBoff, MD

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. Overall, approximately 54 million Americans have low bone mass or osteoporosis. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent osteoporosis and new or repeat fractures.

“Although we have extremely effective therapies to treat osteoporosis, only about 25 percent of patients who experience a fracture are evaluated and treated for their underlying osteoporosis, resulting in a high risk of repeat fractures in the future,” says Dr. Meryl LeBoff.

Here are six steps to help you reduce your risk of osteoporosis:

1. Know your risks

Knowing your risks is the first step to prevention. Risk factors for osteoporosis include increasing age, being female, low bone mass, history of fractures, smoking, certain medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and the use of prednisone and a number of other medications. At BWH, experts use a tool that combines a patient’s bone density testing results with other key risk factors to determine a patient’s likelihood of a fracture. This score is used to help guide treatment. They also use a special bone density test to identify vertebral fractures that can indicate the presence of osteoporosis.

2. Exercise

Exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercises like walking, is important for good bone health. Balance training also can help prevent falls – a leading cause of fractures. People who already have osteoporosis should avoid forward-bending of the spine, or exercises that involve twisting or jerking of the spine, and should consult with a physical therapist regarding appropriate exercises.

3. Look at your calcium and vitamin D intake

Make sure that you are getting enough calcium and Vitamin D. Most adults need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day (depending on age), and Vitamin D is important in all climates. People who do not receive adequate amounts of these nutrients through their diet may benefit from supplementation, if advised by their doctor. Dr. LeBoff is evaluating the effects of Vitamin D, with or without omega 3 fatty acids, on fractures and a number of other bone health outcomes as part of a large research study.

4. Stop smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis, and quitting is necessary for overall good health, including bone health.

5. Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is another risk factor for osteoporosis, so limiting alcohol consumption is important, especially if other risk factors for fractures are present.

6. Treat the underlying cause of a fracture

If you experience a fracture, make sure that you are evaluated and treated for osteoporosis. Today’s medical therapies can help prevent future fractures, and newer medications currently under evaluation may help build bone in people with low bone mass.

Meryl S. LeBoff, MD

Meryl S. LeBoff, MD, is Director of the Skeletal Health, Osteoporosis Center, and Bone Density Unit in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. LeBoff specializes in educating and treating patients with osteoporosis.