When assessing a client with a tentative diagnosis of a herniated intervertebral disk, what key question should the nurse ask to evaluate back pain?

The choice regarding the increase in pain during bowel movements is key because it directly correlates with how a herniated intervertebral disk can affect nerve function and pain perception. A herniated disk can compress spinal nerves, which may lead to symptoms not only in the back but also in the lower extremities and pelvic region. When pain worsens during bowel movements, it may indicate nerve involvement or increased pressure in the lumbar area, which provides significant information about the severity and localization of the problem.

In evaluating a client for a herniated disk, this question helps the nurse to understand the potential impact of the herniation on bowel and nerve function, which can be critical for determining the appropriate interventions and the likelihood of complications. Hence, this information can guide further assessments, diagnostics, and treatment options.

Other questions, while relevant, may not be as directly linked to the characteristic symptoms of a herniated disk. For example, feelings of leg weakness can indicate neurological impairment but do not specifically pinpoint issues related to the disk itself. Similarly, changes in bowel habits are important but might suggest broader issues than just those associated with a herniated disk. The timing of pain occurrence is also useful, but without the context of how specific actions like