Spine: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Spine

Sample item

What red flag in back pain suggests cauda equina compression?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. New urinary retention

New urinary retention with saddle sensory change or progressive leg deficits can signal cauda equina compression and requires emergency assessment.

Option by option

  • A. Dry scalp

    Dry scalp is a dermatologic issue.

  • B. Mild muscle ache

    Mild muscle ache is common and nonspecific.

  • C. New urinary retention (correct)

    Correct: new urinary retention is a cauda-equina red flag.

  • D. Seasonal sneeze

    Sneezing is unrelated to spinal-root compression.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, New urinary retention. New urinary retention with saddle sensory change or progressive leg deficits can signal cauda equina compression and requires emergency assessment.

Why is "Dry scalp" not the answer?

Dry scalp is a dermatologic issue.

Why is "Mild muscle ache" not the answer?

Mild muscle ache is common and nonspecific.

Why is "Seasonal sneeze" not the answer?

Sneezing is unrelated to spinal-root compression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: new urinary retention is a cauda-equina red flag.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.