MEDizzy - A 62-year-old female client is attending a community health

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Physiological Integrity and Developmental Needs

A 62-year-old female client is attending a community health fair. A health fair nurse recommends that the client make an appointment with a physician and ask that a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan be done to evaluate for osteoporosis because the client has many risk factors. Which risk factor likely influenced the health fair nurse’s decision to recommend a DEXA scan?

ExplanationMajor risk factors for osteoporosis include increased age, female sex, White or Asian race, family history of osteoporosis, and a thin body structure. Since osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disease, affecting 50% of women during their lifetime, it is important for women to be screened and begin appropriate treatment, if needed. Diabetes mellitus and being overweight are not risk factors for osteoporo- sis. Being overweight can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.