Reference no: EM133658896

Assignment:

Mrs Lois Conner - pathophysiology

Mrs. Lois Connor, 68 years old presents as a new patient to the women's health nurse practitioner's office. Patient has a history of both femur and wrist fractures from minor falls in her home and experienced menopause at age 49. Mrs. Connor works part-time as a secretary and drives to the office three days per week. She had been a 2-pack per day smoker until 6 years ago. She admits to drinking 8 cups of coffee per day especially on days she works. Does not drink alcohol. Admits to not having time to exercise.

Chief complaint is chronic back pain.

Vital Signs: BP 150/82 P 80 R 24 T 98.6 F. O2 SAT 98 on room air.

Provider Examination:

Examination reveals tenderness and redness over the lumbar region. Patient rates pain as an 7 on pain scale. Patient has difficulty standing from a sitting position and takes short steps when walking. Does walk without cane or walker.

Provider determines that patient has not had a bone density scan to date. Patient takes 800 mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours for discomfort.

Provider orders bone density scan, chest x-ray, and chemistry panel. Discusses with patient considering bone building medications.

Questions:

• Relate patient's history to the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
• Discuss what risk factors are present, and how does each connect to decreased bone density.
• Discuss the cause of pathological fractures in this patient.
• Discuss current treatments available for this patient.