Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of nerve root pathologic conditions due to compression?

1. Herniated vertebral disc

2. Spinal cord injury

3. Spinal tumor

4. Infection

The correct answer is: Herniated vertebral disc

The most common cause of nerve root pathologic conditions due to compression is a herniated vertebral disc. This occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, bulges or ruptures through the outer layer of the disc. When this happens, it can impinge on the nearby nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the affected nerve's distribution area. Herniated discs are prevalent in the population, often occurring in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine, and they are more likely to result from degenerative changes associated with aging, as well as from activities that lead to disc stress or traumatic injuries. Although spinal cord injuries, tumors, and infections can also lead to nerve root compression, they are less common causes. Spinal cord injuries typically present with more extensive and diffuse symptoms affecting more significant areas of the body rather than localized nerve root symptoms. Spinal tumors can compress nerve roots but are relatively rare compared to herniated discs. Lastly, infections may cause inflammation and swelling that can lead to nerve compression; however, they are not nearly as prevalent as herniated discs in the context of nerve root pathologies. Thus,