HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What is the most important exercise instruction for a 65 year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis?

1. Exercise doing weight bearing activities

2. Exercise to reduce weight

3. Avoid exercise activities that increase the risk of fracture

4. Exercise to strengthen muscles and thereby protect bones

The correct answer is: Exercise doing weight bearing activities

For a 65-year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis, engaging in weight-bearing activities is crucial. Weight-bearing exercises provide significant benefits for individuals with osteoporosis because they help maintain or improve bone density by promoting bone formation. When the bones are subjected to stress through activities like walking, dancing, or light jogging, they adapt by becoming stronger. This adaptation is essential for individuals at risk of osteoporosis, as it helps counteract the loss of bone mass. In addition, weight-bearing exercises stimulate the muscles and bones to work against gravity, which can also enhance balance and coordination, thus potentially reducing the risk of falls and fractures. This is particularly important in older adults, who may be more susceptible to fractures if they fall. While it is beneficial to focus on muscle strengthening and avoiding high-risk activities that could lead to fractures, the primary focus for osteoporosis management should be on incorporating regular weight-bearing exercises, as they directly target the underlying issue of bone density loss.