Low back pain: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Low back pain

Sample item

Which feature in low back pain is a red flag needing urgent assessment?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. New urinary retention with saddle numbness

Urinary retention and saddle sensory loss may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent evaluation to prevent permanent deficits.

Option by option

  • A. Pain relieved by rest after activity

    Mechanical pain may improve with rest.

  • B. Mild stiffness on waking

    Morning stiffness alone is nonspecific.

  • C. New urinary retention with saddle numbness (correct)

    Correct: this combination suggests cauda equina compression.

  • D. Localized pain after gardening

    Minor strain is common after unaccustomed activity.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, New urinary retention with saddle numbness. Urinary retention and saddle sensory loss may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent evaluation to prevent permanent deficits.

Why is "Pain relieved by rest after activity" not the answer?

Mechanical pain may improve with rest.

Why is "Mild stiffness on waking" not the answer?

Morning stiffness alone is nonspecific.

Why is "Localized pain after gardening" not the answer?

Minor strain is common after unaccustomed activity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Low back pain in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: this combination suggests cauda equina compression.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Low back pain?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.