Question

A woman calls the health care provider's office, worried about her 82-year-old mother. The mother had a stroke 6 years ago and requires help with most ADL's. Since her husband's death 18 months ago, she rarely leaves home. She has lost 11 kg because she "just can't get interested" in her meals. She has never liked milk and now refuses to drink milk or eat dairy products. The daughter has been prescribed bisphosphonates, and wonders if her mother should also be on them.

1. What risk factors does the mother have for osteoporosis and hypocalcemia?

2. What other factors should be considered before making a recommendation for an appointment to discuss a bisphosphonate prescription?

Answer 1

1. Her mother is in the greatest risk of osteoporosis because

she is a female (Female gender is a risk for osteoporosis)

She 82 years old (Old age is a risk factor for osteoporosis)

She has a family history (Her daughter is suffering in osteoporosis)

Her bone losing density (She lost 11kg)

Her mother is in the greatest risk of hypocalcemia because

She is not taking any calcium-rich food and she doesn't drink milk.

2.

bisphosphonate increases bone density in the presence of calcium, but if you have calcium deficiency(Hypocalcemia) then you will be contraindicated for bisphosphonate prescription.

Her mother should take a calcium-rich diet and investigate the serum calcium before taking bisphosphonate prescription