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

Bisphosphonates are the most widely used first-line agents for postmenopausal osteoporosis due to their proven fracture reduction and cost-effectiveness.

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

ISCD guidelines recommend waiting 1–2 years before a follow-up DEXA to detect meaningful BMD changes that exceed the LSC on bisphosphonate therapy.

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

A significant BMD decrease despite therapy signals potential treatment failure, poor adherence, or an undiagnosed secondary cause of bone loss.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Teriparatide (Forteo)

Answer

Teriparatide is a recombinant PTH(1-34) analog that activates osteoblasts to build new bone, making it an anabolic (bone-building) therapy.

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

Teriparatide typically produces robust spine BMD gains of 8–13% over 18–24 months, significantly exceeding gains seen with antiresorptive agents.

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

DEXA DEXA Pharmacology & Osteoporosis Treatment Monitoring