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NR 511
NR 511/ NR511 Final Exam REVIEW (Latest 2026/
2027) Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care
Practicum | Questions & Answers | Grade A|
1. How can a spinal fracture present?
o A) Arm pain
o B) Low back pain
o C) No pain
o D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Spinal fractures can present with localized pain (e.g.,
low back pain for lumbar fractures), radicular pain (arm pain for
cervical fractures), or be asymptomatic ("no pain"), especially in
the case of some compression fractures in osteoporotic patients.
2. What are some red flags that alert a provider to a possible
spinal fracture?
o A) Osteopenia, osteoporosis
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o B) History of falls
o C) All of the above
o D) Prolonged steroid use
Correct Answer: C) All of the above
Rationale: Major risk factors for spinal fracture include low bone
density (osteopenia/osteoporosis), a history of trauma (falls), and
chronic use of corticosteroids, which can weaken bone.
3. What is often associated with lumbar spinal stenosis?
o A) Constant headaches
o B) Numbness and tingling down the arm
o C) Pain 24/7
o D) Radicular complaints in legs with or without back pain
Correct Answer: D) Radicular complaints in legs with or
without back pain
Rationale: Lumbar spinal stenosis classically presents with
neurogenic claudication—pain, numbness, or weakness in the
legs that is provoked by standing/walking (spinal extension) and
relieved by sitting/leaning forward (spinal flexion). Arm
symptoms suggest cervical stenosis.
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4. True or False: Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms progress
from distal to proximal.
o A) True
o B) False
Correct Answer: B) False
Rationale: Neurogenic claudication from lumbar stenosis
typically begins proximally (buttocks, thighs) and progresses
distally (calves, feet) as the patient continues to walk or stand.
5. True or False: Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms progress
from proximal to distal.
o A) True
o B) False
Correct Answer: A) True
Rationale: This is the correct pattern. Symptoms usually start in
the buttocks or thighs and move down into the lower legs with
continued activity or upright posture.
6. What is often a short-term relief measure for lumbar
spinal stenosis that patients typically do?
o A) Laying down
NR 511
NR 511
NR 511/ NR511 Final Exam REVIEW (Latest 2026/
2027) Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care
Practicum | Questions & Answers | Grade A|
1. How can a spinal fracture present?
o A) Arm pain
o B) Low back pain
o C) No pain
o D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Spinal fractures can present with localized pain (e.g.,
low back pain for lumbar fractures), radicular pain (arm pain for
cervical fractures), or be asymptomatic ("no pain"), especially in
the case of some compression fractures in osteoporotic patients.
2. What are some red flags that alert a provider to a possible
spinal fracture?
o A) Osteopenia, osteoporosis
NR 511
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NR 511
o B) History of falls
o C) All of the above
o D) Prolonged steroid use
Correct Answer: C) All of the above
Rationale: Major risk factors for spinal fracture include low bone
density (osteopenia/osteoporosis), a history of trauma (falls), and
chronic use of corticosteroids, which can weaken bone.
3. What is often associated with lumbar spinal stenosis?
o A) Constant headaches
o B) Numbness and tingling down the arm
o C) Pain 24/7
o D) Radicular complaints in legs with or without back pain
Correct Answer: D) Radicular complaints in legs with or
without back pain
Rationale: Lumbar spinal stenosis classically presents with
neurogenic claudication—pain, numbness, or weakness in the
legs that is provoked by standing/walking (spinal extension) and
relieved by sitting/leaning forward (spinal flexion). Arm
symptoms suggest cervical stenosis.
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4. True or False: Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms progress
from distal to proximal.
o A) True
o B) False
Correct Answer: B) False
Rationale: Neurogenic claudication from lumbar stenosis
typically begins proximally (buttocks, thighs) and progresses
distally (calves, feet) as the patient continues to walk or stand.
5. True or False: Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms progress
from proximal to distal.
o A) True
o B) False
Correct Answer: A) True
Rationale: This is the correct pattern. Symptoms usually start in
the buttocks or thighs and move down into the lower legs with
continued activity or upright posture.
6. What is often a short-term relief measure for lumbar
spinal stenosis that patients typically do?
o A) Laying down
NR 511
