An appropriate nursing intervention for a patient who has acute low back pain and muscle spasms is to teach the patient to
a. keep both feet flat on the floor when prolonged standing is required.
b. twist gently from side to side to maintain range of motion in the spine.
c. keep the head elevated slightly and flex the knees when resting in bed.
d. avoid the use of cold packs because they will exacerbate the muscle spasms.
ANS: C
Resting with the head elevated and knees flexed will reduce the strain on the back and decrease muscle spasms. Twisting from side to side will increase tension on the lumbar area. A pillow placed under the upper back will cause strain on the lumbar spine. Alternate application of cold and heat should be used to decrease pain.
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