Ace the ANCC Exam 2025 – Ignite Your Nursing Superpowers!

The scenario describes a truck driver who is experiencing sharp lower back pain that worsens with ambulation. The choice of L-5 root irritation as the initial differential diagnosis is appropriate due to the anatomical and functional considerations of the lumbar spine.

L-5 nerve root irritation often presents with pain that can radiate down into the legs, particularly affecting the lateral aspect of the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot. The sharp pain that intensifies with movement, such as ambulating, is characteristic of nerve root issues. In this case, the driver's occupation may expose him to prolonged sitting and potential lifting or twisting movements, increasing the likelihood of disc or nerve root issues.

The involvement of the L-5 nerve root frequently suggests that there is irritation or compression possibly due to a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the lumbar region. When considering the driver's symptoms, it is critical to focus on how movement exacerbates the pain and the potential for nerve root involvement.

While other options, such as a compression fracture or a ruptured disc, can indeed cause similar symptoms, the initial consideration here reflects the common presentations of nerve root irritation specific to the L-5 level, particularly in relation to a history of back pain and occupational risk factors. This