The nurse is discussing actions that can be taken to best prevent osteoporosis with a patient. The nurse s teaching should include:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis prevention relies heavily on maintaining bone density and strength over time. Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking or strength training, stimulates bone formation and slows bone loss, making it a cornerstone of prevention. While a balanced diet is essential for overall health, it alone doesn't target bone health unless it specifically includes adequate calcium and vitamin D. Taking extra calcium supplements might help if dietary intake is insufficient, but it's not the most proactive or comprehensive approach without exercise. Consuming daily milk products provides calcium, but this is only one piece of the puzzle and doesn't address the mechanical stress on bones that exercise provides. Exercise throughout life stands out because it directly impacts bone remodeling and resilience, reducing the risk of fractures as one ages, unlike the other options which are either narrower in scope or less effective independently.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Crutches must fit to support posture and arm movement, typically measured as 16-18 inches below the patient's height or 2-3 finger-widths below the axilla when standing. This allows a 20-30 degree elbow bend for comfort and leverage. Shoulder height would be too tall, risking nerve damage under the arms. Twelve inches below shoulders is imprecise and often too short. Fully extended arms would overstretch, reducing control. The height-based measure ensures the crutches align with the torso and arms, providing stability and preventing strain, making it the standard for correct sizing across diverse body types.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mild carpal tunnel syndrome can benefit from vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which supports nerve health and may reduce inflammation or nerve sensitivity, offering relief for some patients. Studies suggest it helps in early stages, though evidence varies. Vitamin A aids vision and skin, not nerves directly. B12 supports nerve repair in deficiencies but isn't standard for carpal tunnel. Vitamin C boosts collagen but doesn't target nerve compression symptoms. B6's reported efficacy in this case aligns with its use as a conservative treatment, explaining the patient's relief without implying it's a universal cure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An antagonist is a muscle that opposes the action of the prime mover (agonist) and relaxes or yields to allow the intended movement to occur. For instance, when the biceps brachii (agonist) flexes the elbow, the triceps brachii (antagonist) extends it, working in opposition. This relationship ensures smooth, controlled motion and prevents overstretching. Compartment refers to a group of muscles, not an individual muscle's action. Anal triangle is a pelvic region, unrelated to muscle function in this context. Synergists assist the prime mover, not oppose it. The antagonist's role in opposing and yielding to the prime mover is a fundamental concept in muscle dynamics, making it the correct answer here, as it directly contrasts with the agonist's action while facilitating coordinated movement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Most skeletal muscles cross at least one joint to produce movement, as their primary function is to move bones around joints by contracting between their origin and insertion. For example, the biceps brachii crosses the elbow joint to flex the forearm. Tendons connect muscles to bones but aren't crossed by muscles. Bones are attachment points, not crossed entities. Ligaments connect bones to bones, not typically spanned by muscles in this context. Joints are the correct answer, as muscles' biomechanical role hinges on crossing them to facilitate motion, a fundamental principle in musculoskeletal anatomy evident in nearly every bodily action.