Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly prescribed for patients with bone metastasis to reduce pain and the risk of fractures?

1. Teriparatide (Forteo®)

2. Calcitonin (Miacalcin®)

3. Raloxifene (Evista®)

4. Zoledronic acid (Reclast®)

The correct answer is: Zoledronic acid (Reclast®)

Zoledronic acid, commonly known by the brand name Reclast®, is frequently prescribed for patients with bone metastasis to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of fractures. This medication is a bisphosphonate, which works by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, leading to a decrease in bone turnover. As a result, it helps stabilize the bone structure that may be compromised due to metastatic growth, thereby lowering the likelihood of skeletal-related events, such as fractures and pain associated with these conditions. Patients with bone metastasis experience heightened osteoclast activity due to tumor-induced bone remodeling. By effectively decreasing this activity, zoledronic acid not only reduces pain but also contributes significantly to maintaining the integrity of the bone, mitigating the risk of fractures that can severely impact the quality of life. Other medications listed, while having their respective uses, do not primarily target the specific needs of patients with bone metastasis in terms of pain relief and fracture prevention. For example, teriparatide is primarily used to treat osteoporosis by stimulating new bone formation, while calcitonin is used for pain relief but does not have the same preventive effect against fractures caused by metastatic disease. Raloxifene is mainly indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmen