A patient has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and asks the nurse, "What is osteoporosis?" What is the best explanation by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After age 40 years, a loss of bone matrix (resorption) occurs more rapidly than new bone formation. The net effect is a gradual loss of bone density, or osteoporosis. The other options are not correct. There is a decrease, not increase, in bone matrix with aging; new bone growth is slower than the loss of bone matrix (not weaker bone growth); and phagocytic activity has nothing to do with bones.

A Patient Has Been Diagnosed with Osteoporosis and Asks the Nurse