Osteoporosis Flashcards
Osteoporosis
a progressive condition characterized by low bone mass or density and deterioration leading to bone fragility and pathological fractures, particularly of weight-
bearing bones.
Osteopenia
a reversible weakening of the bone and is a precursor to osteoporosis.
Ten million people have osteoporosis, of whom ___ are women
80%
Risk factors for osteoporosis include
inadequate calcium intake, estrogen deficiency, and a sedentary lifestyle
Osteoporosis can occur secondary to
certain medications, such as prolonged exposure to steroids, or other conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be related to alcoholism, hyperthyroidism, and malnutrition
The most common sites for fractures are
the vertebrae, wrist, hip, and pelvis
Osteoporosis is referred to as a silent disease because
it initially has no symptoms.
Later in the disease process of osteoporosis, clients may experience
severe back pain, recurring pathological fractures, spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture as a result of pathological fracture of the thoracic vertebrae, and loss of height
The gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis is
dual-energy X ray absorptiometry
Clients are often not diagnosed with osteoporosis until they experience a
low stress fracture of the vertebrae or hip.
Clients are rarely referred for occupational therapy with a primary diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often is a secondary diagnosis related to
a hip or wrist fracture.
Why might clients benefit from a swallowing evaluation?
because kyphosis can influence intake of food.
Falling is a significant risk for people with osteoporosis, so ______for fall prevention modification is required
home evaluation
OT intervention for osteoporosis:
Introduce occupation-based retraining with adaptations or modifications to accommodate or compensate for pain, stiffness, decreased ROM, and instability, such as
devices with built-up and extended handles.
What type of exercise is recommended for clients with osteoporosis?
low-impact weight-bearing activities, such as walking, to increase physical activity.
