Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which symptom is the most common presenting symptom in patients with bone metastases?

1. Fatigue

2. Back pain

3. Abdominal pain

4. Headaches

The correct answer is: Back pain

The most common presenting symptom in patients with bone metastases is back pain. This is largely due to the fact that bone metastases frequently occur in the spine, pelvis, and long bones, leading to localized discomfort. As cancer cells invade the bone tissue, they can cause structural changes that result in pain, which may be exacerbated by movement or certain positions. Additionally, nerve compression might occur if the metastases affect the spinal cord or nerve roots, further contributing to back pain. While other symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, and headaches may occur in patients with advanced cancer or complications related to treatment, they are not specific indicators of bone metastases. Fatigue, for example, is a general symptom that can accompany many illnesses, and abdominal pain may suggest other conditions or metastases in different organs rather than in the bone. Headaches could arise from a variety of other medical issues and are less directly associated with bone involvement. Therefore, back pain stands out as the primary symptom that signals the presence of bone metastases in patients.