A 69-year-old woman reports hip pain and a history of minimal trauma. A DEXA scan confirms low bone mineral density. The nurse recommends lifestyle changes. Which advice is most appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a postmenopausal woman with newly diagnosed osteoporosis who is prescribed raloxifene (Evista). Which teaching indicates understanding?

Which diagnostic test provides the most reliable measure of bone mineral density?

A 55-year-old woman with chronic knee pain reports stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes each morning. X-rays show joint space narrowing and osteophytes. What condition is most likely?

Which factor increases risk for osteoporosis?

A 48-year-old man on long-term corticosteroid therapy complains of back pain. The nurse recognizes this as a risk for:

A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient receiving long-term antibiotics for chronic osteomyelitis. Which instruction is most essential?

Which pathogen most commonly causes osteomyelitis?

A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis asks why she takes methotrexate. The best explanation is:

A 70-year-old with osteoarthritis reports worsening knee pain. The nurse plans care focusing on:

Which test differentiates osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis?

A nurse notes that a patient with RA has difficulty performing ADLs due to joint pain and swelling. The priority nursing diagnosis is:

What is the primary cause of bone fragility in osteoporosis?

A 65-year-old postmenopausal woman asks how to prevent further bone loss. Which response is appropriate?

A patient with osteomalacia due to malabsorption syndrome is prescribed vitamin D. Which teaching is most important?

Which bone disease is caused by inadequate mineralization due to vitamin D deficiency?

A nurse observes a patient with osteomyelitis who reports increased pain and swelling after dressing change. What should the nurse do first?

Which combination of drugs offers the greatest benefit for rheumatoid arthritis management?

A 58-year-old woman with osteoarthritis asks about intra-articular injections for knee pain. Which statement indicates correct understanding?

A 67-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis reports new numbness and tingling in her hands. The nurse suspects:

Which lab finding supports the diagnosis of active rheumatoid arthritis?

A nurse caring for a patient with osteoporosis notes the patient drinks 5 cups of coffee daily and smokes one pack of cigarettes. The best nursing diagnosis is:

Which is a primary osteoporosis prevention strategy?

A patient recovering from osteomyelitis surgery has a drain in place. Which nursing action is most important?

Which patient teaching is most critical for someone discharged on long-term IV antibiotics for osteomyelitis?

A 58-year-old man with osteoarthritis states, “I stopped taking my NSAID because it upset my stomach.” What should the nurse suggest?

Which combination of assessment findings indicates osteomyelitis?

A nurse teaches a patient with osteomalacia about diet. Which meal choice shows good understanding?

A patient with chronic RA expresses frustration over deformities. The most therapeutic nursing response is:

What intervention helps prevent constipation in a bedridden patient with osteoporotic fractures?

A 60-year-old with osteoarthritis of the hip asks about losing weight. The nurse explains weight loss helps because:

A nurse is evaluating effectiveness of RA treatment. Which finding suggests therapy is working?

A 47-year-old teacher has early signs of RA. Which early symptom should the nurse document?

A patient with osteomyelitis reports sudden increase in drainage from the wound. What should the nurse do?

Which lab test measures inflammation level in rheumatoid arthritis?

A patient taking corticosteroids for RA asks how to minimize side effects. The nurse should advise:

A 75-year-old woman with osteoporosis falls at home. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

A 55-year-old RA patient reports dry mouth and eye irritation. The nurse recognizes these symptoms as:

For a patient with osteoporosis, which exercise should the nurse recommend?

A nurse cares for a patient with osteomalacia due to vitamin D deficiency. After months of therapy, pain persists. The next best step is:

Which disease involves formation of new bone spurs at joint margins?

A nurse observes redness, warmth, and swelling around a patient’s knee after surgery. Which priority action is appropriate?

A nurse is planning discharge for a patient with chronic osteomyelitis. Which teaching point is most critical?

A 65-year-old with OA asks about using heat therapy. The nurse should instruct:

A nurse reviews a patient’s DEXA scan showing progressive bone loss. The best nursing intervention is:

Which drug reduces osteoporosis risk by mimicking estrogen’s effect on bone?

A 62-year-old man reports pain at a previous fracture site and chronic drainage. The nurse suspects:

A patient with RA is started on combination therapy with TNF inhibitor and methotrexate. Which outcome indicates success?

A nurse helps a patient with osteoporosis move in bed. Which action prevents fractures?

What is the priority in nursing management for osteomyelitis?

A patient with RA states, “I can’t even button my shirt anymore.” The best nursing action is to:

Which finding distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis?

A 70-year-old woman receiving calcitonin for osteoporosis reports nasal irritation. The nurse should:

Which nutrient deficiency primarily causes osteomalacia?

A 63-year-old man with RA experiences sudden neck pain and weakness. The nurse’s immediate concern is:

Which exercise is not recommended for severe osteoarthritis?

A patient with osteoporosis asks why vitamin D is needed. The best nurse response is:

A nurse designs a community program for postmenopausal women. The most effective prevention strategy is:

A 71-year-old man on long-term corticosteroids presents with back pain and a loss of height. Which complication does the nurse suspect?