Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is the expected change in skeletal health as a person ages?

1. It becomes stronger

2. It stays the same

3. It becomes weaker

4. It increases in density

The correct answer is: It becomes weaker

As individuals age, there are well-documented changes in skeletal health primarily due to changes in bone density, bone quality, and overall skeletal strength. The correct response indicates that bone health typically becomes weaker as a person ages. This weakening can be attributed to several factors. First, bone remodeling processes become less efficient with age. The balance between bone resorption (the breakdown of bone tissue) and bone formation shifts, often leading to a net loss of bone mass. Hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels in postmenopausal women and changes in testosterone levels in men, also contribute significantly to the decline in bone density. Additionally, age-related conditions such as osteoporosis become more common, characterized by reduced bone density and increased fragility, resulting in a higher risk of fractures. Regular weight-bearing exercises and sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D can help mitigate some of these effects, yet the general trend remains that skeletal health deteriorates with age. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing interventions to promote better skeletal health and prevent fractures in older adults.