A 68-year-old woman has come to her physician’s office with onset of back pain that began when she was turning over in bed two days ago. It is most severe between her shoulder blades and is aggravated by movement, especially bending forward; although any movement above the waist seems to aggravate it somewhat. She is unable to stand completely upright. The pain has responded a bit to OTC (over the counter) pain medication she takes for her arthritis, but it is still quite severe and does not appear to be improving at all. Physical examination of the patient confirms the symptoms she described. It also demonstrates that the OA (osteoarthritis) in her left hip has progressed. The patient states that her arthritis medication does not appear to be as effective as it used to be and she has had to cut back on many of her activities. The physician notes on checking her record that she has been a smoker since her teenage years and she has gradually been losing height at each of her annual checkups for the last few years. The physician also suspects that she may be suffering from osteoporosis. In addition to osteoarthritis, what type of fracture may be causing her back pain and what bone disorder may have caused it? What information about the patient would be of assistance to the doctor in determining and confirming what caused the fracture. Name at least two treatment options the physician might suggest for this client. Use how and/or why to explain your treatment choice. How could this condition been prevented or the severity of it reduced, especially if it had
A 68-year-old woman has come to her physician’s office with onset of back pain that began when she was turning over in bed two days ago. It is most severe between her shoulder blades and is aggravated by movement, especially bending forward; although any movement above the waist seems to aggravate it somewhat. She is unable to stand completely upright. The pain has responded a bit to OTC (over the counter) pain medication she takes for her arthritis, but it is still quite severe and does not appear to be improving at all.
Physical examination of the patient confirms the symptoms she described. It also demonstrates that the OA (osteoarthritis) in her left hip has progressed. The patient states that her arthritis medication does not appear to be as effective as it used to be and she has had to cut back on many of her activities.
The physician notes on checking her record that she has been a smoker since her teenage years and she has gradually been losing height at each of her annual checkups for the last few years. The physician also suspects that she may be suffering from osteoporosis.
- In addition to osteoarthritis, what type of fracture may be causing her back pain and what bone disorder may have caused it?
- What information about the patient would be of assistance to the doctor in determining and confirming what caused the fracture.
- Name at least two treatment options the physician might suggest for this client. Use how and/or why to explain your treatment choice.
- How could this condition been prevented or the severity of it reduced, especially if it had

Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps









