NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
Walden University NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain-Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
How to Write the Body for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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Sample Answer for NURS 6512 Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
S.
CC (chief complaint): “I feel pain in my ankles, but the right one is more intense.”
HPI:
R.K is a 46-year-old A.A female presenting with a chief complaint of pain in her ankles. She reports that the pain in the right ankle is more intense. The ankle pain began three days ago when she was playing soccer at the women’s soccer club in her church. She states that she heard a pop sound in her right ankle when playing, which was followed by a sudden intense pain on the right ankle, and she was unable to stand on the right foot. She has, however, been able to walk on the right foot, although it is uncomfortable. R.K also reports having some degree of tenderness and swelling on the right ankle. The ankle pain is aggravated by walking and relieved to some degree by OTC Tylenol, which she takes when the pain aggravates. She rates the pain on the left ankle as 3/10 and the right ankle as 6/10 on the pain scale.
Cognizant of the role that training plays when it comes to improving a nurse’s competencies in EBP and thus empowering them to contribute to the development of EBP, here are certain strategies that can be undertaken from both an organizational level, to the larger professional level. At the organizational level, the organization can organize for opportunities where their nurses can get trained on evidence based practice. On the greater professional levels, professional bodies such as the ANA and the ANCC have developed certification program for nurses. By including components of evidence based practice in the certification exams, this ensures that nurses will prepare and apprise themselves on EBP and thus, in order to earn the certification, they will have to be competent in EBP. Alternatively, the institutions can include a whole different certification for EBP, where nurses will specifically be trained on EBP, tested on the same and thus, their competency will be proven by their certification. This will ultimately improve their ability to participate in the development and implementation of EBP.
Current Medications: OTC Tylenol 1 gm for pain.
Vitamin C supplements.
Allergies: Allergic to penicillin- causes rash, hives, and itchy eyes. No known food or seasonal allergies.
PMHx: Last Influenza shot-7 months ago. Last Tetanus- 3 years ago. No history of chronic illnesses. History of an appendectomy at 34 years. History of Tonsillectomy at 7 years.
Soc Hx:
R.K is a community youth counselor and has a diploma in Counseling. The patient is married. She currently lives with her spouse and three children aged 17, 14, and 8. Her hobbies include traveling and playing football. She is the captain of the women’s soccer club in her church and is the assistant coach for the junior girls’ soccer club. She reports taking wine occasionally but denies smoking tobacco or using illicit substances. She reports having a strict diet and taking about 7 glasses of water a day. The patient states that she has an active lifestyle and takes a morning run for about 40minutes at least 5 days a week. She also plays football on weekends. Her last health exam was 2 years ago. She states that her support system is her family and sisters.
Fam Hx: Family history of HTN- mother and maternal grandfather. History of breast cancer- paternal grandmother. The elder sister has a history of Asthma. Children are alive and well.
ROS:
GENERAL: Denies elevated body temperature, reduced energy levels, chills, or weight loss/gain.
HEENT: No history of head trauma, visual changes, hearing loss, ear discharge, nasal discharge/blockage, sneezing, or pain/difficulty swallowing.
SKIN: Denies color changes, itching, or lesions.
CARDIOVASCULAR: No history of swelling, chest discomfort, heart palpitations, or dyspnea at rest or exertion.
RESPIRATORY: No history of chest pain, cough, sputum, or dyspnea.
GASTROINTESTINAL: Denies appetite changes, nausea/ vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea/constipation.
GENITOURINARY: Denies abnormal PV discharge, dysuria, or urinary frequency/urgency. LMP-3 weeks ago.
NEUROLOGICAL: Negative for dizziness, headache, paralysis, or burning sensations in the extremities.
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Positive for ankle pain and swelling. Limitations in movement. Denies joint stiffness/pain/enlargement.
HEMATOLOGIC: No history of bleeding or blood transfusion.
PSYCHIATRIC: Denies history of mental illnesses.
ENDOCRINOLOGIC: Negative for excessive perspirations, cold/heat intolerance, excessive urination, or acute thirst.
ALLERGIES: Allergic to penicillin.
O.
Physical exam:
VITAL SIGNS: BP- 126/74; HR- 98; RR-20; Temp-98.78 F
HT-5’4; WT- 136 pounds.
GENERAL: Neat and well-groomed female in no acute distress. Alert and oriented X4. Speech is clear and goal-directed. Maintains eye contact and exhibits a positive attitude.
CARDIOVASCULAR: Negative for JVD or edema. RRR; S1and S2 audible. No gallop sounds or murmurs heard on auscultations.
RESPIRATORY: Smooth and uniform respirations. Chest clear on auscultation.
MUSCULOSKELETAL: No skin color changes at the ankles.
Left Ankle- No bruising, swelling, or loss of function. Mild tenderness at the anterior aspects of the lateral malleoli. Negative ligamentous laxity with anterior drawer and talar tilt testing. Decreased total ankle motion of 2 degrees. No bony point tenderness. No difficulty bearing weight.
Right ankle- Bruising present. Moderate tenderness at the maximal points of the anterior (ATFL) aspect of the lateral malleoli on the right ankle. Positive anterior drawer test, negative talar tilt test- moderate joint instability. Some loss of function. Decreased total ankle motion of 7 degrees. Pain with weight-bearing and walking. No bony point tenderness.
Diagnostic results:
X-ray of the right ankle: An X-ray will be required to exclude fractures.
The Ottawa ankle rules indicate that ankle radiographs should be obtained in the event of pain in the malleolar region and any of the following: Pain on the posterior margin of the distal 6 cm or apex of the lateral malleolus; Pain on the posterior margin of the distal 6 cm or apex of the medial malleolus; and Incapacity to bear weight right away after an injury and for four steps during the assessment (Wells et al., 2019).
A.
Differential Diagnoses
Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain entails an inversion-type twist of the foot, accompanied by pain and edema. Lateral ankle sprains are the most prevalent injury in physically active populations, primarily among teenagers and young adults (Herzog et al., 2019). Clinical features of ankle sprains include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, muscle spasm, and cold foot or paresthesia, which suggest possible neurovascular compromise (Herzog et al., 2019). According to Wells et al. (2019), ankle sprains are categorized as Grade I, II, and III. Grade I have minimal tenderness and swelling, no loss of function, decreased total ankle motion of 5 degrees and below, and swelling of 0.5 cm or below as measured by figure-of-eight testing.
Grade II is characterized by bruising, moderate tenderness, a decreased ROM between 5-10 degrees, moderate swelling of 0.5-2.0cm, and ankle instability (Wells et al., 2019). Grade III presents with bruising, significant swelling of greater than 2.0 cm, near-total loss of function, ankle instability, extreme point tenderness, and decreased ankle ROM > 10 degrees.
Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain is the presumptive diagnosis based on the positive findings in the right ankle, including bruises, some loss of function tenderness at the anterior aspect of the lateral malleoli, moderate joint instability, reduced ROM of 7 degrees, and pain with weight-bearing and walking. The right ankle symptoms are consistent with a grade II lateral ankle sprain.
Acute Achilles tendon ruptures
Individuals with an Achilles tendon rupture often present with a primary symptom of a sudden snap in the lower calf accompanied by acute, severe pain. According to Egger and Berkowitz (2017), Achilles tendon rupture commonly occurs in healthy, active, young- to middle-aged persons, mostly from 37 to 43.5 years old. Patients often report experiencing a popping or giving way feeling in their posterior heel after pushing off (Egger & Berkowitz, 2017). Immediate pain occurs but slowly resolves, leaving a person with difficulty with plantar flexion, weight-bearing, or limping. Besides, the person cannot stand their toes on the affected side (Egger & Berkowitz, 2017). Achilles tendon rupture is a differential diagnosis based on findings of ankle pain, popping sensation that occurred during the ankle injury, and difficulties with bearing weight.
Right Ankle Fracture
While lateral ankle sprains comprise 90% of all ankle injuries, whereas an ankle fracture occurs only in 15% of the injuries, ankle fractures occur due to a twisting mechanism sustained from a low-energy injury (Lawson et al., 2018). A fractured ankle presents with severe pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and soft tissue injuries, such as abrasions and lacerations. Other features include loss of function, limited range of motion, compromised neurovascular status, and positive talar tilt and drawer testing (Lawson et al., 2018). A Right Ankle fracture is a differential diagnosis based on pertinent positives of pain, bruising, loss of function, reduced ROM, and positive talar tilt and drawer testing indicating joint instability.
References
Egger, A. C., & Berkowitz, M. J. (2017). Achilles tendon injuries. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 10(1), 72–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9386-7
Herzog, M. M., Kerr, Z. Y., Marshall, S. W., & Wikstrom, E. A. (2019). Epidemiology of ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Journal of athletic training, 54(6), 603-610. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-447-17
Lawson, K. A., Ayala, A. E., Morin, M. L., Latt, L. D., & Wild, J. R. (2018). Ankle fracture-dislocations: a review. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 3(3), 2473011418765122. https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011418765122
Wells, B., Allen, C., Deyle, G., & Croy, T. (2019). MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE GRADE II LATERAL ANKLE SPRAINS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON LIGAMENT PROTECTION: A DESCRIPTIVE CASE SERIES. International journal of sports physical therapy, 14(3), 445–458. https://doi.org/10.26603/ijspt20190445
A 46-year-old man walks into a doctor’s office complaining of tripping over doorways more frequently. He does not know why. What could be the causes of this condition?
Without the ability to use the complex structure and range of movement afforded by the musculoskeletal system, many of the physical activities individuals enjoy would be curtailed. Maintaining the health of the musculoskeletal system will ensure that patients live a life of full mobility. One of the most basic steps that can be taken to preserve the health of the musculoskeletal system is to perform an assessment.
This week, you will explore how to assess the musculoskeletal system.
Also Read:
NURS 6512 Bilateral Ankle Pain
NURS 6512 Discussion Categories to Differentiate Knee Pain
NURS 6512 Assessing The Neurologic System
NURS 6512 Comprehensive Physical Assessment
NURS 6512 ethical dilemmas Assessment
NURS 6512 History of Present Illness (HPI)
NURS 6512 provision of quality and effective healthcare services to the diverse population
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Evaluate abnormal musculoskeletal findings
- Apply concepts, theories, and principles relating to health assessment techniques and diagnoses for the musculoskeletal system
- Evaluate musculoskeletal X-Ray imaging
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
- Chapter 4, “Vital Signs and Pain Assessment” (Previously read in Week 6)
- Chapter 22, “Musculoskeletal System”This chapter describes the process of assessing the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the authors explore the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.
Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Credit Line: Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care, 6th Edition by Dains, J.E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. Copyright 2019 by Mosby. Reprinted by permission of Mosby via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Sullivan, D. D. (2019). Guide to clinical documentation (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.
- Chapter 2, “The Comprehensive History and Physical Exam” (“Muscle Strength Grading”) (Previously read in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Chapter 3, “SOAP Notes”This section explains the procedural knowledge needed to perform musculoskeletal procedures.
Note: Download this Student Checklist and Abdomen Key Points to use during your practice abdominal examination.
This study examines the medical decision making among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The authors also analyze the preferred information sources used for making decisions in these populations.
Document: Episodic/Focused SOAP Note Exemplar (Word document)
Document: Episodic/Focused SOAP Note Template (Word document)
Optional Resource
LeBlond, R. F., Brown, D. D., & DeGowin, R. L. (2014). DeGowin’s diagnostic examination (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical.
- Chapter 13, “The Spine, Pelvis, and Extremities” (pp. 585–682)In this chapter, the authors explain the physiology of the spine, pelvis, and extremities. The chapter also describes how to examine the spine, pelvis, and extremities.
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Musculoskeletal System – Week 8 (12m)
Online media for Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination
In addition to this week’s resources, it is highly recommended that you access and view the resources included with the course text, Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination. Focus on the videos and animations in Chapter 21 that relate to the assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Refer to the Week 4 Learning Resources area for access instructions on https://evolve.elsevier.com/
Discussion: Assessing Musculoskeletal Pain
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Fotosearch RF
The body is constantly sending signals about its health. One of the most easily recognized signals is pain. Musculoskeletal conditions comprise one of the leading causes of severe long-term pain in patients. The musculoskeletal system is an elaborate system of interconnected levers that provides the body with support and mobility. Because of the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system, identifying the causes of pain can be challenging. Accurately interpreting the cause of musculoskeletal pain requires an assessment process informed by patient history and physical exams.
In this Discussion, you will consider case studies that describe abnormal findings in patients seen in a clinical setting.
To prepare:
- By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to one of the following specific case studies for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
- Your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format rather than the traditional narrative style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Episodic/Focused SOAP Template in the Week 5 Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that all Episodic/Focused SOAP notes have specific data included in every patient case.
- Review the following case studies:
Case 1: Back Pain
Photo Credit: University of Virginia. (n.d.). Lumbar Spine Anatomy [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/ext/5lumbar/01anatomy.html. Used with permission of University of Virginia.
A 42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for acute low back pain? Consider the possible origins using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines as a framework. What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform?
Case 2: Ankle Pain
Photo Credit: University of Virginia. (n.d.). Lateral view of ankle showing Boehler’s angle [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/ext/8ankle/01anatomy.html. Used with permission of University of Virginia.
A 46-year-old female reports pain in both of her ankles, but she is more concerned about her right ankle. She was playing
soccer over
the weekend and heard a “pop.” She is able to bear weight, but it is uncomfortable. In determining the cause of the ankle pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what foot structures are likely involved? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for ankle pain? What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform? Should you apply the Ottawa ankle rules to determine if you need additional testing?
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Case 3: Knee Pain
Photo Credit: University of Virginia. (n.d.). Normal Knee Anatomy [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/ext/7knee/01anatomy.html. Used with permission of University of Virginia.
A 15-year-old male reports dull pain in both knees. Sometimes one or both knees click, and the patient describes a catching sensation under the patella. In determining the causes of the knee pain, what additional history do you need? What categories can you use to differentiate knee pain? What are your specific differential diagnoses for knee pain? What physical examination will you perform? What anatomic structures are you assessing as part of the physical examination? What special maneuvers will you perform?
With regard to the case study you were assigned:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources, and consider the insights they provide about the case study.
- Consider what history would be necessary to collect from the patient in the case study you were assigned.
- Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?
- Identify at least five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.
Note: Before you submit your initial post, replace the subject line (“Discussion – Week 8”) with “Review of Case Study ___.” Fill in the blank with the number of the case study you were assigned.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post an episodic/focused note about the patient in the case study to which you were assigned using the episodic/focused note template provided in the Week 5 resources. Provide evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for each case. List five different possible conditions for the patient’s differential diagnosis, and justify why you selected each.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6 of Week 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who were assigned different case studies than you. Analyze the possible conditions from your colleagues’ differential diagnoses. Determine which of the conditions you would reject and why. Identify the most likely condition, and justify your reasoning.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 8 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 of Week 8 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 8
To Participate in this Discussion:
Week 8 Discussion
Assignment: Lab Assignment (Optional): Practice Assessment: Musculoskeletal Examination
A description of symptoms alone is not enough to form an accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions. Before forming a diagnosis, advanced practice nurses need to perform a physical examination. Although the musculoskeletal examination is relatively simple, it still needs to be performed multiple times before it can be mastered.
In preparation for the Comprehensive (Head-to-Toe) Physical Assessment due in Week 9, it is recommended that you practice performing a musculoskeletal examination this week.
Note: This is a practice physical assessment.
To Prepare
- Arrange an appropriate time and setting with your volunteer “patient” to perform a musculoskeletal examination.
- Download and review the Musculoskeletal Checklist provided in this week’s Learning Resources as well as review the Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination online media.
The Lab Assignment
Complete the following in Shadow Health:
- Musculoskeletal (Practice)
What’s Coming Up in Week 9?
Photo Credit: [BrianAJackson]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images
Next week, you will examine appropriate methods for assessing the cognition and the neurologic systems during your Discussion. You also will complete the last assessment, Comprehensive (Head-to-Toe) Physical Assessment. Once again, you will conduct this assessment in the Digital Clinical Experience using the simulation tool, Shadow Health. Make sure to plan your time accordingly.
Week 9 Required Media
Photo Credit: [fergregory]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images
Next week, you will need to view several videos and animations in the Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination as well as other media, as required, prior to completing your Discussion. There are several videos of various lengths. Please plan ahead to ensure you have time to view these media programs to complete your Discussion on time.
Next Week
Subjective
CC: Lower back pain
HPI: Hispanic male patient JM, age 42, presented to the clinic today complaining of severe lower back pain over the past month. Periodically, the pain travels along his left leg. He felt a sharp, throbbing pain in his left lower leg, along with a tingling feeling. He said the ache in his back was an eight out of ten. He feels more discomfort when he lifts heavy objects, bends, or sits for lengthy periods of time. He says over-the-counter ibuprofen helps a little.
Current Medications:
OTC Ibuprofen 400mg Q4hrs as needed for pain.
Claritin 10mg daily for allergies
Lisinopril 5mg daily for hypertension
Allergies: No known drug allergy; environmental allergies: Pollen (Reaction- sneezing and watery eyes).
PMHx: Medical history includes hypertension 5 years ago. No hospitalizations. His vaccinations are all current.
Past surgical Hx: No surgical history reported.
Social Hx: JM has a high school diploma and is employed as a bricklayer for a local construction company. He is married and resides in a three-bedroom home with his wife and 10-year-old son. For the last ten years, he has been smoking one pack of cigarettes per day. He denied consuming alcohol or using illegal substances. Because of his back pain, he refuses to exercise on a regular basis. He follows a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Family Hx: Mother is 65 years old, living, and has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His father is 70 years old, living and suffering from hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Grandpa on the mother’s side passed away at age 64 due to heart attack complications. Maternal grandmother died at age 73 from asthma and diabetes related problems. His paternal grandfather passed away at age 71 due to COPD-related illnesses. His paternal grandmother was 55 years old when she passed away from lung cancer. At the age of 45, one sibling was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. One healthy kid of 10 years old.
ROS:
General: Reported intermittent tingling and numbness in the left limb. No reports of fever, chills, or weight loss.
HEENT: Denies head injury, blurred vision, hearing loss. No changes in smell or taste reported. No complaints of epistaxis. No sore throat was reported.
Skin: No skin lesion, mole, or rash.
Cardiovascular: No reports of heart murmur, chest discomfort, and irregular heartbeat. No edema in the extremities.
Respiratory: No reports of cough or dyspnea.
Neurological: Denies migraines, fainting, or convulsions. No reports of coordination problems.
Musculoskeletal: Pain in the lower back and sometimes in the left leg. Denies that other parts of the body have swollen joints or muscle pain.
Hematologic/Lymphatic: Denies bleeding or bruising. Denies enlarged nodes or history of splenectomy.
Endocrine: No heat or cold intolerance reported. No c/o polydipsia or polyuria.
Objective
Physical Exam:
General: Patient is alert and oriented x3. He is calm and answers interview questions appropriately. He is well-nourished and well- developed. He reports weakness to the left lower extremity.
Vitals: BP- 145/88mmHg; HR- 90bpm and regular; Resp- 19bpm and regular; Temp- 98.5F orally; SPO2 99%R/A; Height- 5’8”; Weight- 166lbs; BMI- 25.2.
Skin: Turgor is good. No rashes or lesions.
HEENT: Head is normocephalic. PERRLA. Conjunctivae negative for exudate and hemorrhage. External auditory canal is patent. Ears are nontender and not swollen. Nares are patent. Nasal mucosa is pink without drainage. Oral mucosa is moist, pink with no lesions. No tonsillar swelling, no pharyngeal swelling.
Cardiovascular/peripheral Vascular: Presence of S1S2 heart sounds during auscultation; no murmurs. Heart rate regular rhythm. Peripheral pulses 2+ symmetrical bilaterally. No peripheral edema.
Respiratory: Chest symmetrical. No adventitious lung sound auscultated.
Gastrointestinal: Abdomen is symmetrical. Normoactive bowel sounds x four quadrants. Abdomen is soft, nontender. No palpable masses.
Musculoskeletal: Low back pain with flexion, extension, and twisting. Limited ROM to lower extremities. No sign of trauma to lower back.
Neurological: Alert and oriented x3. Appropriate affect and mood.
Diagnostic Test:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to verify infection (high WBC count).
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to detect inflammation.
- A computed tomography (CT) scan to detect unusual tissues and analyze the patient’s spinal status.
- Imaging of the spinal cord and nerves using (MRI) magnetic resonance imaging (Dains et al., 2019).
Assessment
Differential Diagnosis:
- Lumber disc herniation (LDH): Lumbar disc herniation is defined as the movement of disc material (annulus fibrosis or nucleus pulposus) over the intervertebral disc area, causing low back and/or leg pain (Yang et al., 2022). It usually starts with lower back discomfort that spreads down one leg and is often followed by sensations of numbness or tingling in the lower leg. The symptoms of LDH correspond to the patient’s chief concern.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is characterized by radiating and tingling pain down the leg and lower back caused by inflammation or compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots (Jensen et al., 2019). Furthermore, sciatica is frequently brought on by a herniated spinal disk, excessive movement, or heavy lifting, according to Dains et al. (2019). The patient is overweight, and his job requires heavy lifting and recurrent movements, which may contribute to his lower back pain.
- Lumber Spinal Stenosis (LSS): Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disc condition that causes the area encompassing the vertebrae’s neurovascular systems to narrow (Fishchenko et al., 2018). Symptoms of nerve inflammation or compression include discomfort and weakness or numbness in the legs. A history, physical examination, and imaging studies are used to make the diagnosis. The assessment should concentrate on leg or buttock pain while ambulating and stretching to alleviate symptoms (Chagnas et al., 2019).
- Piriformis Syndrome (PS): Muscle spasm in the piriformis and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve in the area are the root causes of piriformis syndrome, as stated by Siddiq & Rasker (2019). Physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies like x-rays are used to determine the diagnosis of PS. The authors indicated that the flexion-adduction-internal rotation test, the Pace sign, and the Freiberg techniques are used to identify individuals with PS. Pain and weakness by resisted abduction and external rotation of the hip while seated suggests signs of Pace. The Freiberg sign manifests as pain and weakness with passive forced internal rotation of the hip in a supine position.
- Lumbar spondylolisthesis: Low back pain, lower limb radiating pain, and sporadic neurogenic claudication are symptoms of lumbar spondylolisthesis, a degenerative condition of the lumbar spine (Wang et al., 2022). The patient’s symptoms match the above statement, too.
References
Chagnas, M.-O., Poiraudeau, S., Lef vre-Colau, M.-M., Rannou, F., & Nguyen, C. (2019).
Diagnosis and management of lumbar spinal stenosis in primary care in france: A survey
of general practitioners. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2782-y
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