The client has pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg as the result of a herniated disk compressing the sciatic nerve that began 4 months ago.When documenting this client's pain,which term will the nurse use?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which is a type of neuropathic pain. The fact that the pain has been ongoing for 4 months suggests a chronic nature. Therefore, the term the nurse would use to document this client's pain is acute neuropathic pain. Acute refers to the fact that the pain has a sudden onset and is of short duration, while neuropathic pain refers to pain that is caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system.

The Client Has Pain in the Lower Back That Radiates