Question

Mrs. Singh, 55 years old, tells the practical nurse that she has been menopausal for the past 2 years. A recent laboratory result indicates that her bone mineral density has slightly decreased from the previous checkup. What can the practical nurse decide from this information?

a) Mrs. Singh’s diet is low in calcium.

b) Mrs. Singh has lost weight.

c) Mrs. Singh’s physical activity has increased.

d) Mrs. Singh is aging normally.

Answer 1

Answer: Mrs. Singh's diet is low in calcium

In the bone mineral density test the amount of minerals especially calcium is measured using x-ray. This test in done in the case of patient at risk of osteoporosis, in women and older adults.
The older women are more prone to get fracture because of low mineral density. So the test is important in older women. Bone regeneration occurs in women until the age of 35 faster, after that starts to decrease until menopause.
Estrogen level starts to decrease around the age of 50 in women and it will lead to increased bone loss thereby osteoporosis also.