A nurse is caring for a client with osteoporosis in the vertebral bones of the thoracic spine. Which of the following assessments should the nurse be alert to?

A. Limited range of motion in arms: Rationale: This is not directly linked to thoracic vertebral osteoporosis; more likely in joint or muscular conditions. B. Shortness of breath: Rationale: Vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis can reduce thoracic cavity space, impairing lung expansion and causing SOB. C. Stiff joints, especially first thing in the morning: Rationale: This is more characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, not osteoporosis. D. Chronic pain: Rationale: While pain may occur, the key red flag in thoracic osteoporosis is the impact on respiratory effort (SOB) due to spine compression.