NCLEX · Lifestyle Choices and Self-Care

A nurse is counseling an older adult on health promotion. Which dietary recommendation helps prevent osteoporosis?

Correct answer

Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with weight-bearing exercise

  1. A Eliminate all protein
  2. B Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with weight-bearing exercise
  3. C Avoid all dairy products
  4. D Increase sodium intake

Why this is the answer

To help PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS, recommend ADEQUATE CALCIUM and VITAMIN D intake (vitamin D aids calcium absorption) plus WEIGHT-BEARING EXERCISE (walking, resistance training stimulate bone density). NCLEX-PN health promotion/nutrition. Other measures: avoid smoking and excessive alcohol; fall prevention. Calcium sources: dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods. OLDER ADULTS and POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN are at higher risk (declining estrogen reduces bone density). Avoiding dairy or protein would worsen bone/overall health. Promoting calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing activity to maintain bone health is a tested health-promotion concept, especially for older adults.
Source: NCLEX-PN Health Promotion — Osteoporosis Prevention

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About this topic: Lifestyle Choices and Self-Care

Lifestyle and self-care questions cover client teaching on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, stress and sleep, and the principles of health promotion and disease prevention at the primary level. This is one of 18 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on lifestyle choices and self-care, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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