Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis

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Questions and Answers

A client taking bisphosphonates reports persistent muscle and joint pain. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention?

  • Recommend the client increase their calcium intake to alleviate the pain.
  • Prepare the client for immediate physical therapy.
  • Advise the client to take a mild analgesic and report if the pain persists. (correct)
  • Instruct the client to discontinue the medication immediately.

A client is prescribed a bisphosphonate. What instruction regarding administration should the nurse emphasize to ensure optimal absorption?

  • Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes. (correct)
  • Take the medication with a meal to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
  • Take the medication at bedtime to minimize daytime side effects.
  • Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.

Which pre-existing condition would be of MOST concern to the nurse when considering the administration of a bisphosphonate?

  • Controlled hypertension.
  • Mild seasonal allergies.
  • History of migraine headaches.
  • Esophageal strictures. (correct)

A client taking bisphosphonates reports new-onset jaw pain. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action for the nurse to take?

<p>Advise the client to inform their primary care provider about the jaw pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client who is of childbearing age has been prescribed a bisphosphonate. Which of the following instructions is MOST important for the nurse to provide?

<p>Discontinue the medication if pregnancy occurs, as there is a potential risk to the fetus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client taking alendronate reports experiencing persistent heartburn and difficulty swallowing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

<p>Hold the next dose and notify the primary care provider of the client's symptoms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A postmenopausal client is prescribed alendronate for osteoporosis. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize regarding medication administration to maximize its effectiveness and minimize adverse effects?

<p>Take the medication first thing in the morning with a full glass of water, and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client on long-term alendronate therapy is scheduled for a tooth extraction. What is the primary concern the nurse should address with the dentist and the client?

<p>Elevated risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic effect should a nurse monitor for in a client receiving alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis?

<p>Increased bone density (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client newly prescribed alendronate reports occasional use of antacids for heartburn. What advice should the nurse provide regarding the timing of antacid administration?

<p>Antacids should be taken at least 2 hours before or after alendronate administration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client who has been taking alendronate for 5 years reports new onset thigh pain. Which action should the nurse take first?

<p>Assess the client's pain level and notify the healthcare provider. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A male client with age-related osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate. Which of the following pre-existing conditions should the nurse report to the provider before initiating the medication?

<p>A history of esophageal stricture or difficulty swallowing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement indicates the client understands instructions on how to properly take alendronate?

<p>&quot;I will take this medication first thing in the morning with a full glass of water and sit upright for 30 minutes.&quot; (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bisphosphonates

Medications used to prevent or treat bone loss.

Bisphosphonate Administration

Take with water, sit/stand 30 min, avoid food/supplements for 30 min.

Bisphosphonate Side Effects

Muscle/joint pain, jaw pain, swallowing difficulty, vision changes.

Bisphosphonate Contraindications

Esophageal issues, inability to sit/stand, renal insufficiency, hypocalcemia.

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Bisphosphonate Interactions

Calcium and dairy products decrease absorption.

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Bisphosphonates' Uses

Prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, age-related osteoporosis in men, and glucocorticoid-related osteoporosis.

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Prototype Bisphosphonate

Alendronate.

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Bisphosphonates: GI Side Effects

Esophagitis, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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Bisphosphonates: Other Side Effects

Muscle and joint pain, eye pain, vision changes, osteonecrosis of the jaw.

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Bisphosphonates: Monitoring

Monitor for decreased bone resorption, muscle and joint pain, vision changes, and esophagitis.

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Bisphosphonates: Timing

Give 30 minutes before other medications, beverages, or food.

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Study Notes

  • Bisphosphonates are used for the prevention and treatment of several types of osteoporosis.
  • These include postmenopausal osteoporosis, age-related osteoporosis in clients assigned male at birth, and glucocorticoid-related osteoporosis in clients on long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
  • Alendronate is the prototype bisphosphonate medication.

Medication Classification

  • Bone Resorption Inhibitor.
  • Other medications in this category include risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate.

Pharmacologic Action

  • Bisphosphonates reduce bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Adverse Drug Reactions

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances such as esophagitis, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can occur.
  • Some clients experience muscle and joint pain, which may require discontinuation of the medication or pain management with a mild analgesic.
  • Eye pain and vision changes are possible, but not common.
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported.
  • Bisphosphonates are contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding clients due to unknown effects on the fetus or infant.

Interventions

  • Monitor for decreased bone resorption to determine the effectiveness of the therapy.
  • If clients experience muscle and joint pain, notify the primary care provider.
  • Monitor for changes in vision and manifestations of esophagitis.

Safety Alert

  • Bisphosphonates can cause ulcerative esophagitis if the medication does not pass completely through the esophagus.
  • Clients must take the medication with a full glass of water (6 to 8 oz) and sit or stand for 30 min to ensure it passes into the stomach and dissolves.

Administration

  • Give the medication 30 min before other medications, beverages, or food with a full glass of water to prevent esophagitis.
  • Clients should remain in a sitting or standing position for 30 min after taking the medication, avoiding food and beverages other than water.
  • Administer a mild analgesic for muscle and joint pain.

Client Instructions

  • Take the medication with a full glass of water, sit or stand for 30 min.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for 30 min, and avoid taking calcium supplements or antacids.
  • Take a mild analgesic for muscle and joint pain, and report persistent pain.
  • Report jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in vision.
  • Discontinue bisphosphonates if pregnancy occurs, noting the potential risk to a developing fetus for years after discontinuation.

Contraindications and Precautions

  • Contraindications include esophageal strictures or disorders, difficulty swallowing, inability to sit or stand for 30 min after administration, renal insufficiency, or hypocalcemia.
  • Caution should be taken when giving bisphosphonates to clients with upper gastrointestinal disorders, active infection, liver disease, or heart failure.

Interactions

  • Calcium supplements and dairy products decrease the absorption of bisphosphonates and should be avoided within 30 min of administration.

Question Answer

  • Correct answers for the question includes "Ability to swallow" and "Baseline vision".

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