Fundamentals of Nursing Q 22
The nurse is instructing a 65-year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The most important instruction regarding exercise would be to
A. Exercise doing weight-bearing activities.
B. Exercise to reduce weight.
C. Avoid exercise activities that increase the risk of fracture.
D. Exercise to strengthen muscles and thereby protect bones.
Correct Answer: A. Exercise doing weight-bearing activities.
Weight-bearing exercises are beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis. Although the loss of bone cannot be substantially reversed, it can be greatly reduced if the client includes weight-bearing exercises along with estrogen replacement and calcium supplements in their treatment protocol. 45 minutes to one hour of aerobic activity two to three times per week
Option B: Resistance training two or three times per week. Each session should include exercises to strengthen the lower limb, trunk, and arm muscles, and each exercise should be performed eight to 10 times
Option C: Balance exercises need to be at a level that is challenging to balance and should be performed for a few minutes at least twice a week. For safety reasons, always make sure to hold on to something if you overbalance it. People with severe osteoporosis or kyphosis (hunching of the upper back) who are at high risk of bone fractures may find that swimming or water exercise is their preferred activity.
Option D: Even though walking is a weight-bearing exercise, it does not greatly improve bone health, muscle strength, fitness or balance, unless it is carried out at high intensity such as at a faster pace, for long durations (such as bushwalking), or incorporates challenging terrain such as hills.