A client tells the nurse about experiencing low back pain that radiates across the buttock and down the leg.The nurse suspects the client has developed a herniated intervertebral disk.Until the diagnosis is confirmed,the nurse should instruct the client to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Specific manifestations depend on the area of the spine affected,most commonly the lumbar region,causing low back pain (sciatica)that radiates across the buttocks and down the affected leg;numbness,tingling,and motor weakness are often associated with this pain.Medical management is initially conservative,involving rest,immobility,and pain relief,and may include prescription of anti-inflammatory medications,muscle relaxants,antianxiety medications,or analgesics.Until the diagnosis is confirmed,the client should lie in bed with the knees slightly flexed.Surgery is often required to remove the herniated disk when the conservative approach is unsuccessful.

A Client Tells the Nurse About Experiencing Low Back Pain