DEXA DEXA Pharmacology & Osteoporosis Treatment Monitoring

Question 1

Which class of medications is most commonly prescribed as first-line pharmacotherapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis in the US?

Accepted Answer

Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate)

Answer

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

Answer

Parathyroid hormone analogs (e.g., teriparatide)

Answer

Calcitonin nasal spray

Question 2

How long should a DEXA technologist wait before performing a follow-up BMD scan to assess treatment response for a patient on bisphosphonate therapy?

Accepted Answer

At least 1–2 years after initiating therapy

Answer

3 months after starting therapy

Answer

6 months after starting therapy

Answer

Repeat annually regardless of treatment

Question 3

A patient's follow-up spine BMD shows a statistically significant decrease despite 2 years of bisphosphonate therapy. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Possible treatment failure, non-adherence, or secondary cause of bone loss requiring clinical evaluation

Answer

Normal expected response to bisphosphonate therapy

Answer

The DEXA machine needs recalibration

Answer

The patient must switch to calcium supplements only

Question 4

Which anabolic agent used for osteoporosis treatment stimulates new bone formation by mimicking parathyroid hormone?

Accepted Answer

Teriparatide (Forteo)

Answer

Denosumab (Prolia)

Answer

Zoledronic acid (Reclast)

Answer

Raloxifene (Evista)

Question 5

What BMD change pattern is typically seen in the lumbar spine during the first 1–2 years of teriparatide therapy?

Accepted Answer

Significant BMD increase in the spine, often 8–13%

Answer

Modest 1–2% increase similar to bisphosphonates

Answer

No detectable change during the first year

Answer

Decrease followed by rebound increase

Question 6

Denosumab (Prolia) reduces bone resorption by inhibiting which signaling molecule?

Accepted Answer

RANK ligand (RANKL)

Answer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Answer

Sclerostin

Answer

Calcitonin receptor