Question

A 38-year-old man presents to the emergency department with low back pain. Which historical finding is an indication for further investigation?

a) Fever
b) Intentional weight loss with diet and exercise
c) Palpable paraspinal muscle spasm
d) Prolonged use of oxycodone

Answer 1

Intentional weight loss with diet and exercise can be an indication for further investigation in a 38-year-old man with low back pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The historical finding that is an indication for further investigation in a 38-year-old man with low back pain is intentional weight loss with diet and exercise. Intentional weight loss without any known cause can be a red flag for an underlying condition, including malignancies such as metastatic cancer.

Intentional weight loss with diet and exercise may suggest an underlying problem that needs to be investigated further. It is important to rule out any serious underlying conditions, such as cancer, infections, or autoimmune disorders, which could cause unintentional weight loss.

Further investigation may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies and laboratory tests to help identify the cause of the weight loss and low back pain.