PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What should a nurse advise a client regarding physical activity and osteoporosis?

1. Aim for high-impact exercises only.

2. Incorporate weight-bearing exercises regularly.

3. Limit all physical activity to avoid fractures.

4. Focus solely on flexibility training.

The correct answer is: Incorporate weight-bearing exercises regularly.

In the context of osteoporosis, it's essential for individuals to maintain bone health and density, and incorporating weight-bearing exercises is a key strategy for achieving this. Weight-bearing exercises include activities where the body works against gravity, such as walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training. These exercises help stimulate bone formation and maintain bone strength, which is particularly vital for individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis, as their bones are more fragile and prone to fractures. In advising clients, it’s important to highlight that such exercises do not only enhance bone health but also improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination, further reducing the risk of falls and related injuries. Regularly incorporating these activities into a fitness routine encourages a proactive approach to managing osteoporosis. Other options suggest extremes or limitations that don't align with evidence-based practices. High-impact exercises, while beneficial for some, can pose an increased risk of fractures for individuals with osteoporosis. Limiting all physical activity would only exacerbate the loss of bone density. Focusing solely on flexibility training ignores the critical importance of weight-bearing activities in promoting bone health.