Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which complication involves changes to the body’s bone density?

1. Contractures

2. Autonomic dysreflexia

3. Osteoporosis

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Osteoporosis

The correct choice is osteoporosis, as this condition specifically refers to a decrease in bone density, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. This condition is often associated with prolonged immobility, aging, and hormonal changes, which can significantly affect individuals, particularly those with disabilities or spinal cord injuries. In contrast, contractures, while they may affect the joints and range of motion, do not influence bone density. Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition related to the nervous system's response to stimuli, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injuries, and does not involve changes in bone density either. Pneumonia, a respiratory condition, has no direct correlation with changes in bone density but rather affects the lungs and overall respiratory function. Thus, osteoporosis is the only option that directly pertains to alterations in the body's bone density.