Osteoporosis is caused by the deficiency of which mineral?

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures.
Calcium is the primary mineral responsible for bone density and strength. Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones.
A chronic deficiency in calcium intake forces the body to draw calcium from the bones to maintain essential functions, leading to a net loss of bone mass and the development of osteoporosis.
Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption; its deficiency can exacerbate the effects of low calcium intake.

Option A: Potassium's primary roles are in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Its deficiency does not directly cause loss of bone mineral density.
Option B: Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and oxygen transport. Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia, not osteoporosis.
Option D: Zinc is a trace mineral important for enzymatic reactions, immune function, and wound healing. While it contributes to bone health, its deficiency is not the main cause of osteoporosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The role of mineral deficiency in the development of osteoporosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about osteoporosis prevention through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Patient counseling should emphasize intake of calcium-rich foods (dairy, leafy greens, ragi) and ensuring adequate Vitamin D, often through sunlight exposure or supplementation.
Screening for osteoporosis using DEXA scans is crucial for high-risk populations, including postmenopausal women and individuals on long-term corticosteroid therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the cause of osteoporosis.
Recall the basic physiology of bone health. Remember that bones are the body's main reservoir for a specific mineral.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of mineral metabolism.
Associate Calcium with bone structure. Recall that 'calci-' is a prefix related to bone (e.g., calcification).
Eliminate the other options by recalling their primary functions: Potassium for electrolytes/muscles, Iron for blood/oxygen, and Zinc for immunity/healing.
Confirm that calcium deficiency is the most direct and primary cause of osteoporosis among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The role of mineral deficiency in the development of osteoporosis.
Stem keywords: Osteoporosis, deficiency, mineral
Lead-in keywords: caused by
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.