OSTEOPOROSIS: A THOPHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AIMED FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a bone metabolic disorder in which the resorption is greater than the deposition, resulting in reduced total bone matrix and more fragile bones due to the reduction of mineral density. The objective of this study was to review the pathophysiology of osteoporosis in order to subsidize the activities of preventive and therapeutic way of the nursing professionals. It is a study of descriptive literature review. A Bibliographical survey was done in Scielo, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, resulting in 29 publications, ranging from 2001 to 2015. Osteoporosis predominantly affects white women, post-menopausal, non-obese and with a family history of the disease. A low intake of calcium and vitamin D, smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine are associated with the disorder. Bone densitometry is used as a standard medical exam. However, the calcaneus bone ultrasonometry is an efficient and inexpensive method for early detection. The treatment is performed by means of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, drugs anti-resorptive and / or anabolic and physical activities. The nursing care involving health promotion, identification of people at risk of osteoporosis, recognition of associated problems, patient education regarding the supplementation of calcium and vitamin D and prevention of spontaneous lesions from osteoporosis. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis enables the nursing professional to work in a more integrated way in prevention by identifying risk factors, as well as the multidisciplinary treatment.