5. Back Pain (Non-Traumatic or Non-Recent Trauma) - ACD Flashcards
SUSPECTED Aortic Aneurysm
Condition in which a patient presents simultaneously with “tearing” or “ripping” pain in the back or flank and possibly also in the abdomen.
NON-TRAUMATIC
Not primarily caused by an external physical injury
NON-RECENT
Six hours or more have passed since the incident or injury occurred (w/o priority symptoms)
TRAUMA
Physical injury or wound caused by an external force through accident or violence
First Law of Chest or Back Pain
“Hurts to breath” is not considered difficulty or abnormal breathing
Rule 1
Back pain should only be selected as the Chief Complaint when it is initially clear on Case Entry that the cause is NON-RECENT traumatic or NON-TRAUMATIC back pain. If unclear, select Protocol 30.
Rule 2
NON-TRAUMATIC back pain associated with fainting (or near fainting) in patients ≥ 50 is considered to be a dissecting aortic aneurysm until proven otherwise.
Rule 3
Alert patients w/ back or flank pain and a confirmed diagnosis of aortic aneurysm should be coded as 5-C-2
Axiom 1
Severity of pain is not related to the seriousness of the problem
Axiom 2
When back pain is caused by a NON-RECENT injury, spinal cord injury is very unlikely
Axiom 3
Abdominal pain and/or back pain associated w/ reported ashen or gray skin colour in patients ≥ 50 may indicate a bleeding aortic aneurysm
NON-TRAUMATIC Causes of Back Pain
- Dissecting aortic aneurysm
- Kidney stone
- Low back syndrome
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Vertebral disc disease
NON-RECENT Traumatic Causes of Back Pain
*Bruised spine
* Fractured ribs
* Fractured spine
* Injured nerve
* Sprained back
Symptoms of Possible Spinal Cord Injury
- Abnormal breathing
- No pain or movement below injury
- Tingling sensation or numbness in extremities
