FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What does the straight leg raise test target in an assessment?

1. Nervous system abnormalities

2. Joint injuries

3. Muscle strength

4. Nerve root irritation

The correct answer is: Nerve root irritation

The straight leg raise test is a clinical assessment primarily used to identify nerve root irritation or lumbar radiculopathy, particularly when assessing for conditions such as sciatic nerve pain or herniated discs. During the test, the patient is asked to lie flat and raise their leg without bending the knee. The practitioner monitors for any reproduction of pain in the lower back or legs, which may indicate that a nerve root is being compressed or irritated. When performed, if the straight leg raise elicits pain that radiates down the leg, it typically suggests that there is nerve root involvement, often at the level of the L4, L5, or S1 lumbar vertebrae. This is significant for diagnosing issues such as disc herniations or spinal stenosis, making it a valuable tool in understanding the connection between musculoskeletal symptoms and neurological function. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of physical assessment. Joint injuries would be targeted through range of motion tests or specific joint assessments rather than the straight leg raise. Muscle strength is best evaluated through resistance testing of specific muscle groups and not through this particular maneuver. Similarly, while nervous system abnormalities can be assessed in various ways, the straight leg raise specifically highlights the relationship between the lumbar spine and