Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In managing a patient with sciatica who has red flags, what is the best immediate action?

1. Provide pain relief and advise rest

2. Order physical therapy sessions

3. Conduct a CT scan to assess for serious underlying issues

4. Start a referral to a pain management clinic

The correct answer is: Conduct a CT scan to assess for serious underlying issues

In the management of a patient with sciatica presenting with red flags, the most appropriate immediate action is to conduct a CT scan to investigate potential serious underlying issues. Red flags in the context of sciatica can indicate more severe conditions such as herniated discs, tumors, infections, or fractures that may require urgent medical intervention. The presence of these indicators necessitates a thorough diagnostic approach to identify the root cause of the symptoms. An immediate imaging study, such as a CT scan, can provide critical information about structural abnormalities and help guide further treatment decisions. It is essential to rule out these significant issues before proceeding with other interventions like pain management or physical therapy, which might not address the underlying problem if serious conditions are present. While pain relief and advising rest, referring to a pain management clinic, or ordering physical therapy sessions can be part of the treatment plan for sciatica, these actions should follow an appropriate evaluation that confirms the absence of serious underlying pathology.