Back Pain Treatment Training Practice Test

For a patient presenting with persistent pain coupled with signs of infection, the appropriate management step is to order a complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) while starting antibiotics. This approach is correct because it addresses both the immediate need for diagnosing the extent of the infection and initiating treatment.

Ordering a CBC helps in identifying markers of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count, which can confirm the presence and severity of an infection. The CMP provides valuable information about the patient's metabolic status and organ function, which is critical for determining the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate treatment. Initiating antibiotics is essential in managing signs of infection to combat microbial growth and prevent further complications.

Starting immediate surgery is typically reserved for cases where there is a clear indication of surgical intervention, such as abscess formation or other serious complications from the infection. Increasing fluid intake, while beneficial in many contexts, does not directly address the infection itself or the need for immediate medical assessment. Scheduling a follow-up appointment might be necessary after evaluation and management, but it is not the immediate priority when treating signs of infection. Thus, the combination of obtaining laboratory results and beginning antibiotic therapy is the most logical and effective next step.