Rheumatological Examination Spine AND Lower Limbs — Written Clinical Reasoning

SAQ 1 — Integrated plan (12 marks)

Prompt: Provide a prioritised problem list and management sequence for this presentation.^[1]

Model Answer

1. Frame and red flags (3 marks)^[3]

State the working diagnosis/syndrome, acuity, and what would force emergency treatment now.^[4]

2. Discriminating assessment (3 marks)^[1]

List the key history, examination and investigations that separate dangerous differentials from benign mimics.^[1]

3. Treatment sequence (4 marks)^[1]

Immediate stabilisation, disease-specific therapy, monitoring, and complications prevention.^[1]

4. Follow-up and communication (2 marks)^[3]

Disposition, safety-net advice, and who owns follow-up.^[4]