Question

Difficulty: EasyHealth Screening

A clinic nurse is reviewing the electronic health records of four female clients scheduled for routine annual visits. According to standard preventive health guidelines, which client should the nurse identify as requiring an initial dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan for osteoporosis screening?

  1. An asymptomatic 65-year-old client with no significant past medical historyAnswer
  2. B
    A 55-year-old client reporting morning joint stiffness and reduced range of motion in the knees
  3. C
    A 45-year-old client who recently started a high-impact aerobic exercise program to improve bone density
  4. D
    A 35-year-old client presenting for pre-conception counseling and general wellness advice

Answer

An asymptomatic 65-year-old client with no significant past medical history
Current national health guidelines and consensus recommendations state that all women aged 65 years and older should undergo routine bone mineral density screening for osteoporosis using a DEXA scan. This is a standard secondary prevention measure for this age group, regardless of whether they have a significant medical history or are completely asymptomatic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stem to determine the specific health screening being asked about.
The question asks for the appropriate client to receive an initial DEXA scan for osteoporosis screening.
Identifying the target screening protocol dictates which clinical guidelines apply.
2
Recall the standard evidence-based guidelines for osteoporosis screening in women.
Routine screening is recommended for all women aged 65 and older.
Applying knowledge of health promotion and maintenance guidelines is necessary to select the correct client.
3
Evaluate each client option against the screening criteria.
Only the 65-year-old client meets the age threshold for routine screening.
The other clients are either too young, presenting with unrelated joint symptoms, or engaging in primary prevention without an indication for early secondary screening.

Key Concept

Osteoporosis Screening Guidelines
Estimated Time:45s
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