Word parts
What it means
Bone is broken down faster than it is rebuilt, so the bones become porous, like a sponge with bigger holes. There are often no symptoms until a bone breaks, most often the hip, wrist or spine; spine fractures can cause loss of height and a curved upper back. It is most common in older women after menopauseMEN-uh-pawzThe time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.men/o month, menstruation-pause stopFull entry . A bone density scan (DEXA scan) is the main test.
For the nurse
Teach fall prevention, weight-bearing exercise such as walking, and enough calcium and vitamin D. Clients taking alendronate are taught to take it in the morning with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and stay upright for at least 30 minutes.
In a chart
"History of osteoporosis; high fall risk; bed alarm on and nonslip socks in place."
At a glance
| Spanish | osteoporosis |
|---|---|
| Also written | osteoporotic |
Related terms
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
menopause
The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.