1.

The nurse determines that a 55- year-old female patient is experiencing menopause and is
also at risk for osteoporosis. What foods other than milk can the nurse suggest to this
patient to increase calcium intake?
A. Seafood, wheat, corn, green vegetables
B. Chicken vegetables, green vegetables, pasta, broccoli
C. Green vegetables, sardines, salmon with bone, molasses
D. Fresh fruits, English muffins, black beans, asparagus

Rationale: Women of menopausal age are at risk for osteoporosis, and foods high in calcium
should be encouraged. A diet with green vegetables, sardines, salmon with bone, and molasses
provides high- quality calcium and is recommended for a patient experiencing menopause in
order to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. A diet with seafood, wheat, corn, and green
vegetables is more concentrated in carbohydrates than proteins containing more calcium. A
diet with chicken, green vegetables, sardines, and broccoli contains some calcium but is lower
than the other option. Foods such as fresh fruits, English muffins, black beans, and asparagus
are inadequate in calcium.

2. A patient with osteoporosis has been advised to increase the amount of calcium in her diet.
Which food provides the most calcium?
A. An 8- oz glass of milk
B. An ounce of cheddar cheese
C. A half cup of raw broccoli
D. A 4- ounce salmon croquette

Rationale: An 8-ounce glass of milk contains 290mg of calcium. Answers B, C, and D contain
lesser amounts; therefore, they are incorrect. (Note: An ounce of cheddar cheese contains 205
mg of calcium; half a cup of raw broccoli contains 175mg of calcium; and 4 ounces of salmon
croquette contains 165 mg of calcium).

3. Which of the following instructions should be included for the patient taking calcium
supplements?
A. The patient should take her calcium with meals
B. The patient should take all her daily calcium supplements at one time
C. The patient should take her calcium supplement after meals to prevent stomach upset
D. The patient can use calcium- based antacids for supplement.

Rationale: Many people prefer to supplement their calcium intake with calcium- based
antacids. If calcium supplements are used, they should be administered 30 minutes before
meals to maximize absorption, so answer A is wrong. Calcium absorption is better if it is
administered throughout the day rather than in a single dose, making answer B wrong. Calcium
supplements do not cause stomach upset, so answer C is wrong.