What does a higher Z-score indicate about a person’s bone density?

• A. Above average for age and gender
• B. Below average for age and gender
• C. Aging bones
• D. Normal bone density

Answer: (A)

A higher Z-score indicates that an individual has a bone density that is above the average for their specific age and gender group. The Z-score is a statistical measurement that compares the individual's bone density to a reference population of the same age and gender, providing insight into how their bone density stacks up against peers.

In this context, if a person's Z-score is greater than zero, it signifies that they have a higher bone density than the average person of the same demographic. This information is particularly valuable in assessing the risk of bone-related issues such as osteoporosis or fractures, as individuals above average in bone density may be at a lower risk compared to those with scores of zero or below.

Understanding Z-scores helps healthcare professionals identify those who might benefit from preventive measures or interventions related to bone health.