A 54-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office for an Initial

question 109

Multiple Choice

A 54-year-old man comes to the office for an initial appointment to evaluate lower back pain.  The patient's medical record shows that he has seen several physicians for back pain treatment.  He has been prescribed multiple pain medications and physical rehabilitation services but often stopped prematurely or did not follow through with recommendations.  At the beginning of the visit the patient says, "I'm tired of living with back pain, and I haven't been able to work in years.  Nothing has helped me-at this point I might as well just give up and go on disability."  Which of the following statements is the most appropriate initial response to this patient?

• A)"Although previous medications have not worked, consultation with a pain specialist may be helpful."
• B)"I understand the difficulty of your situation, but applying for disability will not improve your back pain."
• C)"I understand your frustration, but it is difficult to help when you think nothing will work."
• D)"It must be frustrating to have chronic back pain and feel like there are no options to ease your suffering."
• E)"Your chances of improving would be better if you followed recommendations and remained in treatment."

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Definitions:

Governmental Authority

The legal power or right vested in government institutions and officials to enact and enforce laws, make decisions, and regulate society.

Democracy

A form of government in which power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives, based on principles of freedom, equality, and rule of law.

NLRA

Stands for the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, a foundational piece of U.S. labor law that protects the rights of employees to organize and collectively bargain.

Company Property Rights

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