Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthopaedic Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by decreased bone density, which results in a higher likelihood of fractures. In this condition, the balance between bone resorption and bone formation is disrupted, leading to a net loss of bone mass. This loss of bone density makes the bones more fragile and susceptible to breaks from minor stresses.

The condition is often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, making it particularly insidious. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, gender, family history, low body weight, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly in postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen, play a significant role in the development of osteoporosis.

Understanding osteoporosis as a disease characterized by decreased bone density helps healthcare professionals identify at-risk populations, implement preventive strategies, and manage the condition effectively.