AEMCA Practice Exam

Severe pain and constant movement to find comfort are signs of?

1. Pyelonephritis

2. Renal colic

3. Allodynia

4. Testicular torsion

The correct answer is: Renal colic

Severe pain accompanied by constant movement in search of comfort is characteristic of renal colic. This type of pain is often associated with the obstruction of the urinary tract, typically due to the presence of kidney stones. Patients experiencing renal colic commonly shift positions frequently, attempting to alleviate the intense discomfort. They may report pain that radiates from the back to the lower abdomen and even to the groin, often described as one of the most severe pains imaginable. The other conditions listed can cause pain but do not typically present with the same urgency for constant movement. Pyelonephritis usually involves less intense pain and more systemic symptoms, such as fever. Allodynia refers to pain from stimuli that do not normally provoke pain, and it is more related to neurological issues rather than a specific movement-related discomfort. Testicular torsion also presents with severe pain, but the movement is not typically constant; patients may remain still due to the severity of the situation.