Week 12 Case Study: Osteoporosis (Research Paper Sample)

Week 12 Case Study: Osteoporosis
Name of Student
Name of University
Course Title
Professor’s Name
Date
Week 12 Case Study: Osteoporosis
1 Therapy Goals for J.S
J.S.’s DEXA scan T-score indicates that she has developed osteoporosis. The patient’s DEXA scan T-score (- 2.6 standard deviation) shows that she has very low bone mineral density (BMD). Individuals are at risk of developing osteoporosis when their BMD is less than a standard deviation of -1 (Matzkin et al., 2019). The therapy goals for J.S include improving her bone mineral density, improving bone strength, increasing her calcium, vitamin C, D, and magnesium levels, and reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.
2 Drug Therapy for J.S
I will prescribe Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) and Raloxifene (Evista) drugs to treat J.S’s condition. Denosumab is recommended for treating osteoporosis because it is highly effective in reducing all types of fracture risks (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Estrogen deficiency increases the chances of developing cancer and induces bone loss in post-menopause women. Studies have shown that women develop postmenopausal osteoporosis due to the decline in estrogen secretion (Bosdou et al., 2021). Raloxifene mimics estrogen effects in the body but without some of the risks associated with estrogen therapy, such as developing dementia. Thus, Raloxifene will help improve J.S.’s bone mineral density and reduce her chances of developing cancer without exposing her to most estrogen therapy-related risks.
3 Parameters for Monitoring Therapy Success
The first parameter is that J.S’s bone mineral density should improve towards a standard deviation of -1 or +1. This improvement will indicate that the drugs boosted calcium absorption and reduced bone loss. Secondly, subsequent mammogram tests should show lower risks of developing breast cancer. Thirdly, J.S should show physical fitness improvements, such as climbing stairs and stand up without difficulties.
4 Specific Patient Education based on Prescribed Therapy
Patient education for J.S will focus on helping her avoid therapy-related side effects and achieve positive outcomes. J.S will be advised to take regular mammogram tests to monitor cancerous cell growth. Detecting the signs earlier will increase the chances of effective treatment. Secondly, J.S will be notified to avoid performing physically strenuous tasks, such as carrying heavy loads. Laborious tasks will expose her to fracture risks considering that she has weak bones.
5 Adverse Reactions that will Necessitate Therapy Change
Denosumab triggers various adverse reactions, some of which may require treatment withdrawal. These side effects include bone and muscle pain, developing back pain, and passing cloudy or bloody urine (Matzkin et al., 2019). Secondly, Raloxifene may increase the risks of developing heart attacks and blood clots. I will stop the medication if the patient reports chest pain, sudden headaches, and vision problems (Breast Cancer.org., 2020). These signs suggest that the patient is at high risk of experiencing a heart attack.
6 Alternative Over-the-Counter Medicine for J.S
The most readily available over-the-counter (OTC) medications for osteoporosis are calcium and vitamin D supplements. OTC drugs cause minimal adverse effects, hence their availability without prescription. Also, they do not counteract with other medicines. As a result, the vitamin supplements are recommended home-based remedies for osteoporosis.
7 Dietary and Lifestyle Change Recommendations for J.S
J.S.'s sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor because it denies her the opportunity to exercise. She should start exercising regularly (preferably taking walks) and spending time outdoors (for sunshine) to improve her vitamin D levels. Diet-wise, J.S should increase her consumption of proteins and vitamin C to enhance bone formation and strength. At 5 ft 2 inches 102 lbs (18.6 BMI), she is slightly above the underweight mark. Being underweight and alcohol consumption are risk factors for developing osteoporosis (Cheraghi et al., 2019). Thus, J.S. should consum