Back Pain Low Back Pain And Vital Signs 4

Question 1

An IV drug user presents with low back pain, fever of 102.5°F, and heart rate of 118 bpm. What is the highest-priority concern?

Accepted Answer

Spinal epidural abscess

Answer

IV drug use plus fever, tachycardia, and back pain strongly suggests a spinal epidural abscess.

Question 2

Which set of vital signs is most consistent with early sepsis in a patient with infectious back pain?

Accepted Answer

Temperature 102°F, HR 124, RR 24, BP 92/58

Answer

Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension together indicate a septic response.

Question 3

In chronic low back pain, vital signs are often normal because:

Accepted Answer

The body physiologically adapts to persistent pain over time

Answer

Physiologic adaptation means chronic pain frequently produces no measurable vital sign changes.

Question 4

Before administering an NSAID such as ibuprofen for back pain, which vital-sign-related history is most important to review?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure history, since NSAIDs can raise blood pressure

Answer

NSAIDs can elevate blood pressure and worsen hypertension, so blood pressure history matters.

Question 5

A back pain patient's radial pulse is irregular at 112 bpm. What should be done next?

Accepted Answer

Assess further, such as with an apical pulse or ECG

Answer

An irregular tachycardia warrants further cardiac assessment regardless of the back pain complaint.

Back Pain Practice Test