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History of Present Illness
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CJ is a 62-year-old male who was referred to the hospital by his primary care physician for further workup for back pain. His back pain started six weeks ago and has gotten progressively worse over that time. Stretching and exercise have not helped with the pain. Lying flat in bed provides some relief. The pain is localized to his lower back and gets worse throughout the day. The pain was severe during his physical exam this morning, which is why he was referred to the hospital for further workup. He denies nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and bowel or bladder incontinence.
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Hyperlipidemia, hypertension
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Denies illicit substances; consumes EtOH socially—approximately three 12 oz beers weekly; lives with his wife of 35 years; employed as an electrician
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Atorvastatin 40 mg PO daily
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Lisinopril 40 mg PO daily
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Acetaminophen 500 mg PO PRN for back pain
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Ibuprofen 400 mg PO PRN for back pain; he has increased use of APAP and ibuprofen over the past 6 weeks
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Temp 98.4°F, BP 151/98 mm Hg, P 83 bpm, RR 14 breaths per minute, 96% O2 situation on room air, Ht 5′9″, Wt 90 kg
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He does not appear to be in any acute distress
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Pupils equal/round, reactive to light, conjunctiva clear; poor dentition noted
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Clear to auscultation bilaterally, no wheezing, rhonchi, or rales
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Regular rate and rhythm; no appreciable murmurs, gallops, or rubs
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Soft, non-tender, non-distended; bowel sounds present
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No edema; peripheral pulses intact; normal range of motion; no evidence of injection sites or skin infection
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He has reproducible pain in the lumbar spine.
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Cranial nerves II–XII are intact. Alert and oriented × 3; mood, affect appropriate
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