Nurses play a crucial role in the assessment and monitoring of trabecular bone health. Some key methods include:
1. Bone Density Tests: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are commonly used to measure bone mineral density and assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 2. Patient History and Physical Examination: Taking a detailed patient history and performing a thorough physical examination can help identify risk factors for bone diseases. 3. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, and other markers of bone metabolism can provide insights into bone health.