Nursing ~ Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

chronic porous bone disease

DEXA scan

measures how strong your bones are

Risk factors of osteoporosis

Old age, female, white or asian, cigarette smoking, low body weight, diet, long-term use of corticosteroids, thyroid replacements, heparin & long-acting sedatives

Most common in bones of…

spine, hips, wrists

T-score

if more negative = more likely to have osteoporosis

Calcium supplements

1000 -1500 mg/day

must be taken in divided doses

Vitamin D supplements

800 - 1,000 IU/day

necessary for calcium absorption

Food: cottage cheese, milk, spinach

Bisphosphonates

inhibit bone resorption

• take 30 min before food

• can’t take with other meds

• pt must remain upright for 30 min

Calcitonin

inhibits bone reabsorption

• give IM at night

• alternate nostrils when using nasal form