Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue that leads to increased risk for fractures.
Treatment may include medications such as raloxifene, which help to slow down the progression of osteoporosis.
Raloxifene also helps to reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and uterine lining thinning in postmenopausal women.
The nurse should monitor the following when assessing this client:
Bone density tests (x-ray, bone scan) to monitor for osteoporosis and fractures.
Laboratory values including liver function tests such as ALT/AST or ALP levels which may be elevated with raloxifene use.
If there is an increase in the level of these enzymes, a physician should be notified immediately so that they can stop taking this medication and contact their primary care provider about another treatment option.
The nurse also monitors:
Changes in vision symptoms such as blurred vision or blindness; redness around the eye area; dizziness when changing position from lying down to standing up; high blood pressure readings taken at home on two separate days over four weeks after starting raloxif.