Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What should be assessed during a routine physical exam for osteopenia risk in elderly patients?

1. Height and weight

2. Bone density

3. Muscle strength

4. Vision acuity

The correct answer is: Bone density

Bone density assessment is a critical component of evaluating an individual's risk for osteopenia, particularly in elderly patients. Osteopenia is a condition characterized by lower than normal bone density, which increases the risk of fractures. The dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is commonly used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in various sites such as the hip and spine. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about the strength of the bones and helps determine the appropriate intervention or monitoring strategy. While assessing height and weight, muscle strength, and vision acuity are important aspects of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, they do not directly evaluate the risk of osteopenia. Height can indicate changes in spinal structure due to osteoporosis but does not provide a direct measurement of bone density. Muscle strength can be related to overall physical health and balance, which is important for fall prevention, but it does not assess bone density itself. Vision acuity is significant for maintaining safety and preventing falls but likewise does not correlate to bone health. Thus, focusing on bone density provides the most relevant and actionable information regarding osteopenia risk in elderly patients.