Explain the risk factors for osteoporosis. What can a nurse do to help manage this health condition to restore the patient to optimal health?

- Age – Bone mass reduces throughout a person’s lifetime, with a faster rate of loss after 50 years for women and 70 years for men. Another factor that has been pointed out to boost osteoporosis risk is older age.

- Gender- it is well known that women have a higher risk of osteoporosis than men, especially if they are post-menopausal women. These hormones are replaced when the body is deficient, and estrogen decline is said to speed up bone loss.

- Postmenopausal women – Osteoporosis is common among women who have passed through menopause than those who are still menstruating. There is also genetic predisposition to the strength of bone mass.

- Less bone density and greater risk - People with small thin built are more prone to the disease due to having less bones.

- Low calcium and vitamin D, vitamin K, and protein – These nutrients are vital for bone formation and therefore, their absence leads to bone depletion. 

- Lack of physical activity and decreased muscle mass – Mechanical loading through physical activity, especially those involving weights, helps to maintain and develop bones. Some of them include; being a bed-ridden patient, having disuse and muscle loss.

- Medications - Steroids for long periods, and other drugs that inhibit the body’s ability to develop bone mass are also causes of secondary osteoporosis. 

- Smoking and excessive alcohol – These can all be detrimental to the health of bones.

As a nurse, important ways to help manage osteoporosis include: As a nurse, important ways to help manage osteoporosis include:

- Teach patients about a proper diet, exercises that are safe on the bones and joints, how to prevent falls and not to take up smoking/drinking. In this case, you should suggest the calcium, vitamin D and protein servings that the patient should take. If needed consult dietitians, ideally before making such plans.

- If bone density medications have been prescribed, promote compliance to take the prescribed drugs as required. Give thorough instructions. 

- Promote self-monitoring for home hazards and recommend walking aids which include grab bars to avoid fall and fracture prone situations.

- The follow-up should also be done frequently and the symptoms of a new fracture should be checked frequently. Specific areas to address include pain management and other related issues to recovery.

In helping the patient achieve the best possible care and treatment of osteoporosis, the nurse is central in education, management of lifestyle changes, risk control, and support.