Back Assessment

NP Certification Q&A

A 40-year-old computer programmer presents for a sick visit with the chief complaint of a two-day history of low back pain. He reports the pain started after many hour stretch of doing yard work. The pain is described as a dull constant ache, worse with activity, better with rest, across the lower back, without radiation to the legs. He denies leg weakness, tingling, or numbness, and states he had similar pain in the past after doing extensive lifting. In considering the diagnosis of lumbar sacral strain, which of the following would most likely be noted on clinical assessment in this patient?

A. Diminished to absent lower extremity DTRs
B. Patient report of new-onset difficulty with voiding.
C. Paraspinal muscle tenderness
D. Positive straight leg raise test
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