Introduction
According to Naharcı et al. (2012), osteoporosis is pretty common among the elderly persons due to wearing on the bone tissue with age. As Rachner, Khosla & Hofbauer (2011), asserts, this condition in its early stages is devoid of symptoms, however, in its advanced stage, it may lead to chronic back pain and an increased risk of falls especially for the elderly.
Scenario
JN is a 66 year old Hispanic male who was diagnosed with osteoporosis 10 years ago. JN is a retired flight attendant and a divorce living alone. Nonetheless, her daughter has been persistently emphasizing that at his age he needs to a home-assistant of which he has objected. His current medications include; ibuprofen for purposes of pain relief and alendronate (10mg tablet once daily). JN admits drinking and smoking regularly, smoking at least 10 sticks of cigarette daily. JN chief complaint was increased back pain. On the other hand, JN’s physical examination showed loss of height and a stooped fracture. Bone density test on the other hand, showed a significant reduction in bone density showing a severe case of osteoporosis and increased bone weakness.
Considering that JN has already been using osteoporosis treatment drugs, this case marked the onset of a severe bone loss and as such, teriparatide (20 mcg one daily) was considered for purposes of fostering rapid bone growth. On the other hand, the patient was advised to retain the ibuprofen as a pain reliever.
Apart from these pharmacological interventions, patient education was pretty essential since the patient faced an imminent risk of falls. On the other hand, a calcium rich diet is equally important for the purposes of bone synthesis. As such, a teaching plan for this patient involved educating him on fall prevention at home including making environmental modifications such as flattening raised ground to avoid falls (Papaioannou et al., 2010). A dietary plan for the patient plus a smoking cessation program was initiated for the patient after admitting and declaring his interest to stop smoking. A post-discharge follow-up plan which involved monthly appointments for the purposes of bone-density assessment was also created for this patient.
References
Naharcı, M. İ., Koçak, N., & Doruk, H. (2012). Osteoporosis in Elderly. TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin, 11(4), 471-482.
Papaioannou, A., Morin, S., Cheung, A. M., Atkinson, S., Brown, J. P., Feldman, S., & Kvern, B. (2010). 2010 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Canada: summary. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 182(17), 1864-1873.
Rachner, T. D., Khosla, S., & Hofbauer, L. C. (2011). Osteoporosis: now and the future. The Lancet, 377(9773), 1276-1287.
