Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is done to diagnose which of the following diseases?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing is the standard method for measuring bone mass and diagnosing osteoporosis.
The most common BMD test is the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which measures bone density at the hip and spine.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, a T-score of -2.5 or lower on a DEXA scan confirms a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Low bone density is the hallmark of osteoporosis, making BMD testing the definitive diagnostic tool for this condition.

Option A: Dengue is a viral infection. Its diagnosis relies on serological and virological tests (like NS1 antigen or IgM/IgG antibody tests), not bone density measurements.
Option B: Malaria is a parasitic disease. It is diagnosed by identifying the Plasmodium parasite in a peripheral blood smear or through rapid antigen-based diagnostic tests.
Option D: AIDS is a syndrome caused by the HIV virus. Diagnosis is made through tests that detect HIV antibodies, antigens (p24), or viral genetic material (RNA/DNA), not by measuring bone density.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic test for Osteoporosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role includes educating patients about the DEXA scan procedure, such as advising them to avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the test.
Nurses are crucial in counseling patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis on lifestyle modifications, including diet (calcium, vitamin D), weight-bearing exercises, and fall prevention strategies to reduce fracture risk.
What if a patient's T-score is -1.8? This indicates osteopenia (low bone mass), not osteoporosis. The nursing focus would shift to primary prevention strategies to slow down bone loss and prevent the progression to osteoporosis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Bone mineral density (BMD) testing'.
Understand the function of this test. The name itself implies it measures the density of minerals in bones.
Next, analyze the options provided: Dengue, Malaria, Osteoporosis, and AIDS.
Evaluate which of these conditions is directly related to bone health and density.
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones, which is a direct consequence of low bone mineral density.
The other options are infectious diseases (viral, parasitic, and viral respectively) and are diagnosed through blood tests, not bone scans. Therefore, eliminate them.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Gynecology Williams p. 72-95

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1203-1205

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