Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What condition describes pain radiating along a peripheral nerve tract, commonly seen in primary care?

1. Fibromyalgia

2. Radiculopathy

3. Myofascial Pain Syndrome

4. Nerve Entrapment

The correct answer is: Radiculopathy

The condition that describes pain radiating along a peripheral nerve tract is known as radiculopathy. This occurs when a nerve root in the spinal column becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain that can be felt along the pathway of the affected nerve. Symptoms may include sharp or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the areas supplied by the impacted nerve. In primary care, radiculopathy is commonly seen in cases of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, where the pressure on the nerve can lead to this distinctive pain pattern. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of radiculopathy is crucial for appropriate management and referral, which may include physical therapy, medication for pain relief, or further diagnostic imaging if necessary. Other conditions listed may involve pain but do not specifically describe the targeted nerve-related radiating pain. While fibromyalgia involves widespread musculoskeletal pain, it does not typically follow a peripheral nerve route. Myofascial Pain Syndrome relates to pain emanating from trigger points in muscles, and nerve entrapment refers to compression of a nerve at a specific site, which doesn't universally involve the same radiating symptomatology characteristic of radiculopathy.