Medications for Joint and Bone Conditions

A set of flashcards designed to help students review key terms and concepts related to medical treatments for joint and bone conditions.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

Calcium supplements

Products taken to increase calcium intake, often used to treat or prevent osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonates

Medications that decrease the number and action of osteoclasts and inhibit bone resorption.

Raloxifene

A selective estrogen receptor modulator used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Hypercalcemia

A condition of elevated calcium levels in the blood, indicated by a level greater than 10.5 mg/dL.

Calcitonin

A hormone that decreases bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid hormone

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood and is critical for bone health.

Weight-bearing exercises

Physical activities that force the body to work against gravity, beneficial for bone density.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, a potential complication of oral bisphosphonate use.

Contraindications

Specific situations or conditions in which a drug should not be used.

Client Education

Instructions provided to clients regarding their health, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Nutritional supplementation

The process of providing additional nutrients, typically through diet or supplements, to improve health.

Chvostek's sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia characterized by twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped.

Trousseau's sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia where a spasm of the hand is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff.

Calcium citrate

A calcium supplement that is often more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.

IV administration

The delivery of medication directly into the bloodstream through a vein.

Pulmonary embolism

A blockage in a pulmonary artery caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs, which can be a risk with selective estrogen receptor modulators.

Therapeutic Uses

Purposes for which a medication is prescribed to treat specific medical conditions.

Galactorrhea

Unexpected breast milk production, which can occur with hormonal treatments or imbalances.