A patient presents to the health clinic with low back pain that ...

[V@ndy87]

A patient presents to the health clinic with low back pain that radiates into the buttocks and below the knee. The nurse suspects which condition?
 
  a. Herniated disk
  b. Muscle spasm in lower back
  c. Spinal cord injury
  d. Sciatica

Question 2

The charge nurse instructs the nursing assistants about the policy concerning call lights. The nurse teaches that patients taking which type of medication require especially prompt call light attention?
 
  a. Diuretics
  b. Antibiotics
  c. Proton pump inhibitors
  d. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs )

[voltaire123]

Answer to Question 1

A
Herniated disks typically cause compression on the sciatic nerve and allow the pain to radiate into the buttocks and leg. Muscle spasm in the lower back will result in back pain. There is no indication of spinal cord injury. Pain from sciatica does not involve back pain.

Answer to Question 2

A
People taking diuretics need to go to the bathroom frequently, and often urgently. Prompt atten-tion to call lights will reduce the probability of the patient getting up unassisted. Diuretics may also cause orthostatic hypotension, which increases the risk for falling.