Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the most appropriate dietary advice for a patient with osteopenia?

1. Include more citrus fruits for vitamin C

2. Increase intake of whole grains and meat

3. Focus on calcium and vitamin D-rich foods

4. Reduce all dairy products to lower cholesterol

The correct answer is: Focus on calcium and vitamin D-rich foods

For a patient with osteopenia, focusing on calcium and vitamin D-rich foods is crucial for promoting bone health. Osteopenia is a condition characterized by lower than normal bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones, and adequate vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods (like some types of orange juice and cereals), while vitamin D can be obtained from sources like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. The combination of these nutrients helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of further bone density loss. While citrus fruits provide vitamin C, which is important for overall health, it does not specifically target the needs of a patient with osteopenia. Increasing whole grains and meat offers various nutrients but does not directly address the patient's calcium and vitamin D needs. Reducing dairy products in an attempt to lower cholesterol could exacerbate the problem of insufficient calcium intake, which is detrimental for someone dealing with osteopenia.