Question

question 2
1 pts
the most reliable indicator(s) of neurological deficit when assessing a patient with acute low back pain is(are):
patient report of bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, and motor weakness of limbs.
history of significant trauma relative to the patients age.
decreased reflexes, strength, and sensation in the lower extremities.
patient report of pain with the crossed straight leg raise.

Explanation:

When assessing neurological deficits in acute low - back pain, objective physical examination findings like decreased reflexes, strength, and sensation in the lower extremities are more reliable than patient reports (which can be subjective) or history (trauma history doesn't directly equate to current neurological deficit). Bladder dysfunction and saddle anesthesia are more specific to cauda equina syndrome (a more severe but less common condition), and crossed straight - leg raise pain is more related to disc herniation but not as comprehensive an indicator of neurological deficit as the triad of decreased reflexes, strength, and sensation.

Answer:

Decreased reflexes, strength, and sensation in the lower extremities.