Which nursing diagnosis is common for a patient with high fracture risk due to osteoporosis?

• A. Risk for falls
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Excessive appetite
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (A)

Osteoporosis makes bones fragile, so the main safety concern is the risk of falls that could lead to fractures. The nursing diagnosis that fits this situation best is risk for falls because it directly focuses on preventing an event (a fall) that osteoporosis increases the likelihood of. Interventions would center on fall precautions: checking the patient’s balance and gait, clearing hazards from the environment, ensuring good lighting, using assistive devices as needed, wearing non-slip footwear, and supervising or assisting with mobility. Addressing fall risk helps protect against fractures and supports overall safety.

Other options don’t align as closely with the primary concern. Hyperglycemia is a metabolic issue not specific to fracture risk in osteoporosis. Excessive appetite is unrelated to bone fragility, and dehydration, while potentially harmful in some contexts, does not capture the key safety risk posed by fragile bones.