ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterised by compromised bone strength. This bone disease is very common and many nurses, particularly those working with older people, are likely to encounter patients with it. The main consequence of osteoporosis is the increased tendency to fracture with minor trauma and the subsequent loss of function and quality of life. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most widely used method of measuring bone mineral density. Using DXA confirms the diagnosis of osteoporosis, contributes to the assessment of risk of future fractures, and allows the most appropriate targeting of treatments. If osteoporosis or osteopenia is found, one should screen for underlying causes with other investigations: serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine; serum protein electrophoresis; thyroid function tests; serum testosterone in men; and urinary Bence-Jones protein. The National Osteoporosis Society produces relevant material as well as a patient helpline and an email address for nursing queries.
