NCLEX-PN® ExaminationBasic Care and ComfortMedium
An LPN is reinforcing teaching with a client about the importance of regular exercise for bone health. The client asks which type of exercise is most beneficial for preventing osteoporosis. Which activity should the LPN recommend?
- ACycling
- BSwimming
- CYoga
- DWalking
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Walking
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, or dancing, are most effective for building and maintaining bone density because they put stress on the bones, stimulating bone formation. Swimming and cycling are non-weight-bearing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cycling is also a non-weight-bearing exercise and less effective for bone health compared to weight-bearing activities.
- B. Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise but is non-weight-bearing, so it does not effectively stimulate bone density.
- C. Yoga can improve flexibility and balance, which are beneficial for fall prevention, but it is not primarily a weight-bearing exercise for bone density.
Weight-Bearing Exercise
Physical activity that forces you to work against gravity, such as walking or running, which helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Essential for bone density.
- Includes walking, jogging, dancing.
- Stimulates bone formation.
Memory trick: To strengthen bones, bear some weight, or osteoporosis will seal your fate.