Which dietary modification should be included to help prevent bone density loss in a client with Cushing's disease?

Which dietary modification should be included to help prevent bone density loss in a client with Cushing's disease?

• A. Low calcium
• B. Moderate sodium restriction
• C. Increase calcium
• D. Low carbohydrate

Answer: (C)

Excess cortisol in Cushing's disease causes osteoporosis by increasing bone resorption and reducing bone formation, and it also increases urinary calcium excretion. Because of this, ensuring adequate calcium intake helps counteract the loss of bone density and supports bone mineralization. So increasing calcium intake is the most effective dietary modification to help prevent bone density loss in this context. Include calcium-rich foods (dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) and consider vitamin D to improve calcium absorption, along with weight-bearing exercise to strengthen bones. Low calcium would worsen bone density; sodium restriction does not directly address bone loss from cortisol excess; low carbohydrate has no relevant impact on bone density in this scenario. Typical guidance aims for about 1000–1200 mg of calcium daily, adjusted by a clinician as needed.

Excess cortisol in Cushing's disease causes osteoporosis by increasing bone resorption and reducing bone formation, and it also increases urinary calcium excretion. Because of this, ensuring adequate calcium intake helps counteract the loss of bone density and supports bone mineralization. So increasing calcium intake is the most effective dietary modification to help prevent bone density loss in this context. Include calcium-rich foods (dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) and consider vitamin D to improve calcium absorption, along with weight-bearing exercise to strengthen bones.

Low calcium would worsen bone density; sodium restriction does not directly address bone loss from cortisol excess; low carbohydrate has no relevant impact on bone density in this scenario. Typical guidance aims for about 1000–1200 mg of calcium daily, adjusted by a clinician as needed.