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

Which patient population is primarily at risk for developing osteomalacia?

1. Active athletes

2. Post-menopausal women

3. Individuals with sunlight exposure

4. Those with malabsorption syndromes

The correct answer is: Those with malabsorption syndromes

Osteomalacia is primarily associated with a deficiency in vitamin D, which is crucial for the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphate. Patients with malabsorption syndromes often struggle to adequately absorb essential nutrients, including vitamin D, from their diet. Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or chronic pancreatitis can impair the intestinal absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to vitamin D deficiencies. This deficiency can subsequently result in impaired bone mineralization, characteristic of osteomalacia. In contrast, active athletes may have a higher demand for certain nutrients and physical conditioning but are generally not at an increased risk for osteomalacia unless they have specific dietary deficiencies. Post-menopausal women face an increased risk of osteoporosis due to hormonal changes, especially a decline in estrogen, but this does not specifically correlate to osteomalacia. Lastly, while individuals with regular sunlight exposure typically synthesize sufficient vitamin D through sunlight, they are less likely to experience osteomalacia compared to those with absorption issues. Thus, the population facing significant risk for developing osteomalacia is indeed those with malabsorption syndromes.