Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

How do thiazide diuretics positively impact bone health?

1. They inhibit calcium absorption in the intestines

2. They decrease calcium excretion by the kidneys

3. They promote osteoblast production

4. They increase vitamin D synthesis

The correct answer is: They decrease calcium excretion by the kidneys

Thiazide diuretics positively impact bone health primarily by decreasing calcium excretion by the kidneys. This action helps retain calcium in the body, which is essential for maintaining bone density and overall bone health. Chronic low levels of calcium can lead to diminished bone mineralization and an increased risk of osteoporosis. By reducing urinary calcium loss, thiazide diuretics can help preserve calcium levels in the bones, potentially reducing the risk of fractures in the long term. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for patients who may already be at risk for osteoporosis due to age, hormonal changes, or other factors. The other options do not support this aspect of bone health. Inhibiting calcium absorption in the intestines would lead to lower calcium levels in the body, which is detrimental to bone health. Promoting osteoblast production, while beneficial for bone formation, is not a direct action of thiazide diuretics. Likewise, increasing vitamin D synthesis is not a known effect of thiazide diuretics and vitamin D primarily functions to enhance calcium absorption from the gut rather than influencing kidney calcium excretion directly.