1. A client with acute low back pain asks how to prevent recurrence. Which instruction is
best?
A. “Stand in one spot to rest your back.”
B. “Lift objects close to your body with knees bent.”
C. “Twist at the waist when turning.”
D. “Avoid changing positions.”
2. Which symptom suggests nerve root compression from a herniated disk?
A. Pain localized to lumbar area only
B. Pain radiating down a leg with paresthesia
C. Increased urinary output
D. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
3. The nurse evaluates teaching for chronic low back pain. Which statement needs further
teaching?
A. “I’ll try yoga.”
B. “I’ll use ice or heat as ordered.”
C. “I’ll avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods.”
D. “I’ll lift with straight knees and the object held away from me.”
4. A provider prescribes cyclobenzaprine. The nurse explains its purpose is to:
A. Reduce inflammation
B. Relax skeletal muscles
C. Increase endorphin release
D. Decrease nerve conduction
5. Which intervention is appropriate when teaching body mechanics?
A. Bend at the waist to pick up items
B. Keep feet close together when lifting
C. Tighten abdominal muscles and bend knees when lifting
D. Twist while lowering objects
6. A client with severe back pain develops sudden leg weakness and bowel/bladder issues.
Priority action?
A. Provide warm compress
B. Administer NSAID
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Encourage ambulation
7. Which medication is most appropriate for short-term severe acute pain?
A. Tricyclic antidepressant
B. SSRI
C. Opioid
D. Anticonvulsant
8. Which complementary therapy is appropriate for chronic low back pain?
A. Prolonged bedrest
B. Chiropractic massage
C. Contact sports
D. High-impact aerobics
9. The nurse teaches a client starting tricyclic antidepressants for chronic neuropathic back
pain. Which adverse effect is expected?
A. Diarrhea
, B. Urinary retention
C. Insomnia
D. Bradycardia only
10. Discharge teaching for acute low back strain is effective if the client states:
A. “I’ll avoid bending my knees when lifting.”
B. “I’ll change positions frequently during the day.”
C. “I’ll stand for hours to strengthen my back.”
D. “I’ll reach above my head to stretch often.”
11. A client reports unilateral knee pain worse with activity that improves with rest. Which
condition is most likely?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Gout
D. Osteomyelitis
12. Which is most accurate about osteoarthritis?
A. Autoimmune synovial inflammation
B. Wear-and-tear breakdown of joint structures
C. Viral destruction of cartilage
D. Purine disorder
13. Which assessment finding is typical of OA?
A. Morning stiffness >1 hour
B. Symmetric small joint swelling
C. Crepitus with joint movement
D. Fever and leukocytosis
14. The goal of OA management includes:
A. Complete joint immobilization
B. Decreasing pain and stiffness while maintaining mobility
C. Eliminating all exercise
D. High-impact training
15. Which OTC medication requires teaching about GI bleed risk?
A. Acetaminophen
B. NSAIDs
C. Topical emollients
D. Calcium carbonate
16. The nurse teaches about acetaminophen for OA. Which teaching is correct?
A. Max 4 grams/day
B. Take with alcohol to enhance effect
C. Causes GI ulcer commonly
D. Safe at any dose if no pain relief
17. Which statement shows understanding of joint protection?
A. “I’ll use assistive devices to reduce joint stress.”
B. “I should avoid all walking.”
best?
A. “Stand in one spot to rest your back.”
B. “Lift objects close to your body with knees bent.”
C. “Twist at the waist when turning.”
D. “Avoid changing positions.”
2. Which symptom suggests nerve root compression from a herniated disk?
A. Pain localized to lumbar area only
B. Pain radiating down a leg with paresthesia
C. Increased urinary output
D. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
3. The nurse evaluates teaching for chronic low back pain. Which statement needs further
teaching?
A. “I’ll try yoga.”
B. “I’ll use ice or heat as ordered.”
C. “I’ll avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods.”
D. “I’ll lift with straight knees and the object held away from me.”
4. A provider prescribes cyclobenzaprine. The nurse explains its purpose is to:
A. Reduce inflammation
B. Relax skeletal muscles
C. Increase endorphin release
D. Decrease nerve conduction
5. Which intervention is appropriate when teaching body mechanics?
A. Bend at the waist to pick up items
B. Keep feet close together when lifting
C. Tighten abdominal muscles and bend knees when lifting
D. Twist while lowering objects
6. A client with severe back pain develops sudden leg weakness and bowel/bladder issues.
Priority action?
A. Provide warm compress
B. Administer NSAID
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Encourage ambulation
7. Which medication is most appropriate for short-term severe acute pain?
A. Tricyclic antidepressant
B. SSRI
C. Opioid
D. Anticonvulsant
8. Which complementary therapy is appropriate for chronic low back pain?
A. Prolonged bedrest
B. Chiropractic massage
C. Contact sports
D. High-impact aerobics
9. The nurse teaches a client starting tricyclic antidepressants for chronic neuropathic back
pain. Which adverse effect is expected?
A. Diarrhea
, B. Urinary retention
C. Insomnia
D. Bradycardia only
10. Discharge teaching for acute low back strain is effective if the client states:
A. “I’ll avoid bending my knees when lifting.”
B. “I’ll change positions frequently during the day.”
C. “I’ll stand for hours to strengthen my back.”
D. “I’ll reach above my head to stretch often.”
11. A client reports unilateral knee pain worse with activity that improves with rest. Which
condition is most likely?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Gout
D. Osteomyelitis
12. Which is most accurate about osteoarthritis?
A. Autoimmune synovial inflammation
B. Wear-and-tear breakdown of joint structures
C. Viral destruction of cartilage
D. Purine disorder
13. Which assessment finding is typical of OA?
A. Morning stiffness >1 hour
B. Symmetric small joint swelling
C. Crepitus with joint movement
D. Fever and leukocytosis
14. The goal of OA management includes:
A. Complete joint immobilization
B. Decreasing pain and stiffness while maintaining mobility
C. Eliminating all exercise
D. High-impact training
15. Which OTC medication requires teaching about GI bleed risk?
A. Acetaminophen
B. NSAIDs
C. Topical emollients
D. Calcium carbonate
16. The nurse teaches about acetaminophen for OA. Which teaching is correct?
A. Max 4 grams/day
B. Take with alcohol to enhance effect
C. Causes GI ulcer commonly
D. Safe at any dose if no pain relief
17. Which statement shows understanding of joint protection?
A. “I’ll use assistive devices to reduce joint stress.”
B. “I should avoid all walking.”
